THE Government is set to discuss the extension of the lockdown period today during a meeting of the emergency Cobra committee.

The meeting of ministers will be chaired by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. Prime Minster Boris Johnson remains in intensive care for a fourth day, receiving treatment for the symptoms of coronavirus; Downing Street say his condition is stable and he is continuing to make progress.

It is looking likely that restrictions will continue for some time yet. New Labour opposition leader Keir Starmer has called for the Government to disclose its ’lockdown exit strategy’, even if the timeframe cannot yet be specified.

Speaking at last night’s live briefing, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said that more evidence would become available next week which would inform the decision on whether to lift the lockdown measures.

Meanwhile, letters from the Prime Minister have begun to arrive through letterboxes in Cornwall.

The letter, and a leaflet enclosed with it, tells the public that ’everyday life has changed dramatically’ and that the coronavirus has had a profound impact on individuals, loved ones and communities. It explains the importance of staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives, and gives information about how to reduce the risk of transmitting the illness.