A number of the world's leading scientists have said the need for precautionary health measures and use of face masks will continue for 'years to come,' if COVID-19 continues to spread or new viruses appear.

A Professor of Infectious Disease Modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Graham Medley said face masks may continue to be used for the next five years 'out of habit.'

A number of British scientists believe that people may have to follow 'baseline' measures indefinitely, even after vaccination programs are complete.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said maintaining some social distancing measures will be necessary 'to save many lives and minimize the threat to hospital capacity.'

Medley told the Daily Mail 'I think it's likely face coverings will continue to be a measure against respiratory viruses, and not just for this virus but, in five years’ time, if coronavirus 3 comes out then face coverings will go straight back on.'