THE next two weeks will be “absolutely crucial” in ensuring England’s coronavirus lockdown ends as planned on December 2.

Government scientific advisor Professor Susan Michie urged the public to resist breaking current rules, “to be in a position”, to spend the festive period with loved ones.

She also suggested that the announcement of a potential Covid-19 vaccine could lead to complacency with the measures, adding that the jab will make, “no difference”, to the current wave.

It comes after documents released the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) on Friday warned that a return to the tiered system of coronavirus restrictions will see infections rise again.

When asked what should replace current restrictions when lockdown ends, Prof Michie told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It’s too early to know. I think the next two weeks is going to be absolutely crucial.

“They’re going to be a very challenging two weeks, partly because of the weather, partly because, I think, the promise of a vaccine may be making people feel complacent.

“But the vaccine is very unlikely to come in until the end of the year or beginning of next year and that’s going to make no difference to the current second wave.

“So, I think for the next two weeks, everybody has to really get all their resolve together.”

Prof Michie, a behavioural scientist at University College London, advised the public to, “really pay attention to resisting any urges to break the rules”, on social distancing and visiting other households.

“Because that will maximise the chance that in two weeks’ time, on December 2, we’re in a position where actually we don’t have to continue the lockdown,” she added.

“And better still, what everybody wants, is to be in a position where they can spend the Christmas and winter holiday times with loved ones.”