ENGLAND could see a further 30,000 deaths over the next nine months unless the Prime Minister changes strategy, experts are warning.

England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty has suggested the number of new infections in England could stay at about 3000 each day for the next nine months, as the sharp drop in number of cases there began to stall recently.

Christina Pagel, professor of operational research at University College London, said if England continues to see 100 to 150 deaths each day it would mean a further 30,000 people would die from the virus by the first anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Independent Sage group of scientists, of which Pagel is a member, has sharply criticised the UK Government for lifting lockdown restrictions in England too early.

Their latest analysis warns “Super Saturday” – July 4, when pubs, restaurants and other public places are due to reopen in England – will arrive before the country is ready for the “risk” posed.

Pagel told The Independent: “We are adding a lot of risk all at once in the context of infections not reducing anymore and test and trace not fully functioning,”

“They are sending a message that the pandemic is over – and it’s not over.”

She pointed to a “massive surge” in coronavirus cases in the US where some states have lifted restrictions – warning she is worried England will end up in a similar situation.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care, 43,414 people have died in hospitals, care homes and the community after testing positive for Covid-19 – but according to the Office for National Statistics, the true figure has surpassed 54,000.

READ MORE: Zero virus deaths on a weekday since coronavirus pandemic began

Meanwhile in Scotland, yesterday marked the first weekday since the beginning of the lockdown where no virus deaths were recorded.

Nicola Sturgeon said the figures yesterday – which included 17 new confirmed cases – were “one of the many signs of the progress we are making”.

The First Minister added that Scotland is “not far away” from eliminating coronavirus, but warned people should continue to follow lockdown rules and not be complacent.