Coronavirus outbreak in UK has reached critical point, says CMO

UK chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA

Britain stands at a “critical point” in the coronavirus pandemic, Professor Chris Whitty will warn, as he lays the ground for tough new controls in an urgent attempt to halt the surge in infections.

In a televised briefing on Monday, the UK's chief medical officer for England will say the country faces a “very challenging winter”, with the current trend heading in “the wrong direction”.