MORE deaths "will follow" the increased coronavirus infection rate which has left the country at a "critical point", according to a senior minister.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the country can expect to see more deaths from covid-19 – after nations such as Spain reported a similar trend.

Speaking on Sky News this morning, he said: “We’re seeing the hospital admissions creeping up, albeit deaths haven’t followed as yet.

"What we do know, looking at places like Spain, that will follow.

“We’re certainly at a critical moment this morning."

Mr Shapps says he was briefed by the country's health chiefs over the weekend.

Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, and Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser, updated the minister on the coronavirus situation.

The official also warned against flouting restrictions – hinting that full lockdown could return if people didn't listen.

He added: “It is clear we’re just a few weeks behind what we’re seeing elsewhere in Europe.

“You only have to look at what’s happening in France, particularly in Spain, and you can see that things have taken off there including, I’m afraid, deaths. So it is very important that we do everything we can to bear down on this.

“It’s absolutely vital that people do follow restrictions because otherwise we’re going to end up back in situations we don’t want to be in.”

His comments come ahead of a press conference held by Professor Whitty and Sir Vallence, which is set to urge Brits to do what they can to halt the surge in infections.