The UK coronavirus death toll passed 1,400 as it emerged some 25 per cent of NHS doctors are off work sick or in isolation.
It comes after the deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries, warned it may be six months until Britain can return to normal life.
NHS officials have also admitted that its supply chain is “overwhelmed” by demand for protective gear and a national task force is being set up to coordinate its distribution.
Meanwhile foreign secretary Dominic Raab has announced a £75m plan to repatriate as many as 60,000 British travellers stranded overseas by the increasing number of travel restrictions during the pandemic.
More than 750,000 cases of Covid-19 have been reported worldwide, with some 153,000 of those in the US alone.
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Microsoft reports record use of Xbox Live
Microsoft has turned off an Xbox Live feature as it attempts to deal with "record numbers" of people on its gaming platforms.
The company has stopped allowing people to upload their own gamerpics on the Xbox One, with the hope of "streamlining moderation" of the pictures.
More below:
Microsoft has turned off an Xbox Live feature as it attempts to deal with "record numbers" of people on its gaming platforms.
The company has stopped allowing people to upload their own gamerpics on the Xbox One, with the hope of "streamlining moderation" of the pictures.
More below:
Xbox Live turns off feature as it faces 'record numbers' of people online
Game Pass and streaming service Mixer also seeing unprecedented traffic
All the settings you need to fix to use the Houseparty app
We've all been there - you wake up in your quarantined house during a global pandemic, only to absentmindedly click on a phone notification and suddenly find yourself in a Houseparty video chat with a friend of a friend you don't really know.
While many have turned to the app during the crisis to keep in touch with friends, there are a few things you might want to change to make it a bit more user friendly.
Here is Andrew Griffin with the essential tweaks:
We've all been there - you wake up in your quarantined house during a global pandemic, only to absentmindedly click on a phone notification and suddenly find yourself in a Houseparty video chat with a friend of a friend you don't really know.
While many have turned to the app during the crisis to keep in touch with friends, there are a few things you might want to change to make it a bit more user friendly.
Here is Andrew Griffin with the essential tweaks:
All the Houseparty settings you need to fix before using the app during coronavirus lockdown
Stop telling people you're in the house, and stop being bombarded by messages that other people are, too
US launches repatriation efforts in more than 50 countries
The US State Department says it has successfully arranged the repatriation of some 25,000 American citizens stranded abroad in more than 50 countries.
Department officials say they are continuing to ramp up evacuation efforts and that more than 100 flights for U.S. citizens have been scheduled for the coming weeks. About 9,000 Americans have registered for those upcoming flights and there is still space available on many.
Many of those stranded are in Latin American countries, notably Peru, where some Americans have been quarantined by authorities.
The US State Department says it has successfully arranged the repatriation of some 25,000 American citizens stranded abroad in more than 50 countries.
Department officials say they are continuing to ramp up evacuation efforts and that more than 100 flights for U.S. citizens have been scheduled for the coming weeks. About 9,000 Americans have registered for those upcoming flights and there is still space available on many.
Many of those stranded are in Latin American countries, notably Peru, where some Americans have been quarantined by authorities.
Florida governor missed child's birth to reduce impact on hospital
Florida's governor Ron DeSantis has announced the birth of his daughter Mamie on a day he spent otherwise updating residents on the development of the virus.
"It's surreal being in a hospital during this time. I did not go into the delivery room because I didn't want to burn PPE. It was kind of a sad thing, but my wife and I both felt that was the right thing to do," Mr DeSantis told reporters.
The governor, 41, had been present for the birth of both of his two other children.
Former supreme court justice claims public whipped into 'collective hysteria'
The public is whipping itself into "collective hysteria" over the coronavirus outbreak, a former Supreme Court justice has warned.
Lord Sumption, who served on the UK's highest court until 2018, said people were working themselves "into a lather" over the threat of coronavirus - and should ask themselves "whether the cure may be worse than the disease".
More below:
The public is whipping itself into "collective hysteria" over the coronavirus outbreak, a former Supreme Court justice has warned.
Lord Sumption, who served on the UK's highest court until 2018, said people were working themselves "into a lather" over the threat of coronavirus - and should ask themselves "whether the cure may be worse than the disease".
More below:
Former Supreme Court justice warns of 'collective hysteria' over coronavirus outbreak
'We are working ourselves up into a lather in which we exaggerate the threat and stop asking ourselves whether the cure may be worse than the disease'
Air New Zealand announces mass lay offs
Air New Zealand has said 3,500 employees will be laid off in the coming months, as it grapples with severe global travel curbs caused by the virus.
In an email to staff and customers, Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran said if domestic restrictions on travel go beyond the planned 28 days, further lay offs may be required.
Air New Zealand has said 3,500 employees will be laid off in the coming months, as it grapples with severe global travel curbs caused by the virus.
In an email to staff and customers, Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran said if domestic restrictions on travel go beyond the planned 28 days, further lay offs may be required.
US judge blocks Texas from banning most abortions during pandemic
A US judge has blocked Texas officials from banning most abortions in the state as part of their order to postpone surgeries and procedures deemed not medically necessary during the coronavirus crisis.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, last week announced that abortion providers were covered by a state order that required postponement of non-urgent medical procedures to preserve hospital beds and equipment during the pandemic.
A US judge has blocked Texas officials from banning most abortions in the state as part of their order to postpone surgeries and procedures deemed not medically necessary during the coronavirus crisis.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, last week announced that abortion providers were covered by a state order that required postponement of non-urgent medical procedures to preserve hospital beds and equipment during the pandemic.
How will the government plan to bring back stranded Britons work?
These are the key questions, answers and Independent predictions about the government’s plans for a £75m airlift of British nationals stranded abroad due to the global coronavirus shutdown - as written by our own Simon Calder.
These are the key questions, answers and Independent predictions about the government’s plans for a £75m airlift of British nationals stranded abroad due to the global coronavirus shutdown - as written by our own Simon Calder.
How will the government's plan to bring stranded Britons home work?
Priority will be given to vulnerable UK citizens abroad, particularly in India and South Africa
California sees cases nearly double in four days
California Governor Gavin Newsom has said the number of Covid-19 hospitalisations in the state has nearly doubled over the past four days, while the number of ICU patients tripled during that time.
By Monday, 1,421 California patients had been treated at hospitals for the virus, up from 746 four days ago.
The number of patients requiring intensive care beds rose to 597 from 200, Mr Newsom added. Altogether, 5,763 people have tested positive for the disease in the state.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has said the number of Covid-19 hospitalisations in the state has nearly doubled over the past four days, while the number of ICU patients tripled during that time.
By Monday, 1,421 California patients had been treated at hospitals for the virus, up from 746 four days ago.
The number of patients requiring intensive care beds rose to 597 from 200, Mr Newsom added. Altogether, 5,763 people have tested positive for the disease in the state.
Denmark considers easing restrictions after Easter
Denmark may gradually lift a lockdown after Easter if the numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths remain stable, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said.
The Nordic country has reported 77 coronavirus-related deaths, and last week extended a two-week lockdown to limit physical contact between its citizens that began on 11 March.
"Over the past week the number of hospital admissions has risen slightly slower than the week before and without the explosion in the numbers that we have seen in other countries," Mr Frederiksen told a news conference.
He added: "If we over the next two weeks across Easter keep standing together by staying apart, and if the numbers remain stable for the next two weeks, then the government will begin a gradual, quiet and controlled opening of our society again, at the other side of Easter".
Denmark may gradually lift a lockdown after Easter if the numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths remain stable, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said.
The Nordic country has reported 77 coronavirus-related deaths, and last week extended a two-week lockdown to limit physical contact between its citizens that began on 11 March.
"Over the past week the number of hospital admissions has risen slightly slower than the week before and without the explosion in the numbers that we have seen in other countries," Mr Frederiksen told a news conference.
He added: "If we over the next two weeks across Easter keep standing together by staying apart, and if the numbers remain stable for the next two weeks, then the government will begin a gradual, quiet and controlled opening of our society again, at the other side of Easter".
Travellers welcome government repatriation project
Travellers have welcomed the government's repatriation project announced by Dominic Raab earlier today - however questions remain over the slow move to return citizens.
Harry Guy-Walters, 23, a gap-year traveller currently stranded in Bolivia with his partner Molly Holmes, told The Independent: "It was encouraging to hear. We've been told there should be a flight from Bolivia at some point this week but this now gives us more confidence that will actually happen and we really will get home.
Harry Guy-Walters, 23, a gap-year traveller currently stranded in Bolivia with his partner Molly Holmes, told The Independent: "It was encouraging to hear. We've been told there should be a flight from Bolivia at some point this week but this now gives us more confidence that will actually happen and we really will get home.
"The main question, though, is why has it taken this long? The government's entire response to this crisis has been slow - like, even the lock down didn't come soon enough."
France seeks to combat surge in domestic abuse reporting
France has said it will pay for hotel rooms for victims of domestic violence and open pop-up counselling centres after figures showed the number of abuse cases had soared during the first week of lockdown.
Gender Equality Minister Marlene Schiappa said about 20 centres would open in stores around the country so women could drop in for help while getting groceries.
The government also announced an extra one million euro (£890,000) for anti-domestic abuse organisations to help them respond to increased demand for services.
France has said it will pay for hotel rooms for victims of domestic violence and open pop-up counselling centres after figures showed the number of abuse cases had soared during the first week of lockdown.
Gender Equality Minister Marlene Schiappa said about 20 centres would open in stores around the country so women could drop in for help while getting groceries.
The government also announced an extra one million euro (£890,000) for anti-domestic abuse organisations to help them respond to increased demand for services.
Government cracking down on scams playing on Covid-19
The government has shared a host of scams that attempted to seize on fears around coronavirus, alongside a commitment to crack down on such misinformation.
The government has shared a host of scams that attempted to seize on fears around coronavirus, alongside a commitment to crack down on such misinformation.
The government is already identifying some 70 incidents a week, it said, and working to have them taken down.
More below:
Government shares scams and false stories trying to benefit from coronavirus outbreak
Downing Street launches a 'Rapid Response Unit' and promises to crack down on misinformation
IMF working with Georgia to limit impact of virus
The International Monetary Fund has confirmed it is working closely with authorities in Georgia to provide additional financing for the country as it works to cushion the human and economic impact of the pandemic.
"The IMF is working closely with the authorities to provide support under the Extended Fund Facility arrangement, including through additional financing, to contain the spread of the virus and support the economy and the Georgian people," said Mercedes Vera Martin, mission chief for Georgia at the IMF.
The International Monetary Fund has confirmed it is working closely with authorities in Georgia to provide additional financing for the country as it works to cushion the human and economic impact of the pandemic.
"The IMF is working closely with the authorities to provide support under the Extended Fund Facility arrangement, including through additional financing, to contain the spread of the virus and support the economy and the Georgian people," said Mercedes Vera Martin, mission chief for Georgia at the IMF.
The nation today reported its 100th infection. So far there have been no confirmed deaths.
Junior doctors raise concerns over lack of food
Concerns have been raised by junior doctors over a lack of food available in hospitals.
A year one junior doctor, Billy Bobak, told the PA news agency: "The public are not aware that many hospitals do not provide out-of-hours catering and we are going into a time when medical staff will be working out of hours more than ever before.
"There is a real opportunity for the support demonstrated for NHS workers by the public last week to be converted into actions which will make a huge difference.
"I have many junior doctor friends working on the front line at various hospitals across the UK. Each one is scared for the months ahead.
"One of the many things they are scared about is how they are going to manage their own nutrition to keep themselves healthy, as options for food, scarce and unreliable to begin with, are becoming increasingly obsolete. This is one of the few fears in their lives that can be removed."
Concerns have been raised by junior doctors over a lack of food available in hospitals.
A year one junior doctor, Billy Bobak, told the PA news agency: "The public are not aware that many hospitals do not provide out-of-hours catering and we are going into a time when medical staff will be working out of hours more than ever before.
"There is a real opportunity for the support demonstrated for NHS workers by the public last week to be converted into actions which will make a huge difference.
"I have many junior doctor friends working on the front line at various hospitals across the UK. Each one is scared for the months ahead.
"One of the many things they are scared about is how they are going to manage their own nutrition to keep themselves healthy, as options for food, scarce and unreliable to begin with, are becoming increasingly obsolete. This is one of the few fears in their lives that can be removed."
Global coronavirus cases pass 750,000
More than 766,000 cases of Covid-19 and nearly 38,000 deaths have been reported worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The US has the highest number of any country with 153,236, followed by Italy with 101,739.
Earlier today Spain overtook China for total confirmed cases, with more than 85,000.
More than 766,000 cases of Covid-19 and nearly 38,000 deaths have been reported worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The US has the highest number of any country with 153,236, followed by Italy with 101,739.
Earlier today Spain overtook China for total confirmed cases, with more than 85,000.
Zimbabwe begins lock down following on from South Africa
Zimbabwe has begun a 21-day nationwide lock down, following South Africa in implementing tough anti-coronavirus measures that are likely to hurt an already suffering economy.
Zimbabwe has begun a 21-day nationwide lock down, following South Africa in implementing tough anti-coronavirus measures that are likely to hurt an already suffering economy.
However unlike neighbouring South Africa, where citizens defied calls to stay indoors and clashed with security forces over the last two days, Zimbabweans mostly stayed home. The nation's police have a reputation for brutality and were manning checkpoints on highways into the capital as the lock down began, questioning the few motorists on the roads.
The main opposition party, the MDC Alliance, supports the lock down and criticised the government for not imposing it earlier.
Zimbabwe has recorded just seven coronavirus cases and one death, but President Emmerson Mnangagwa said in a televised address that citizens should take the restrictions on movement seriously.
"I want all of you to spend the next 21 days acting as if you already have the virus ... Would you want to infect your friends, would you want to infect your families, would you want to infect your countrymen? Of course not. So, keep your distance", he said.
Turkish PM urges nation to maintain productivity
Turkey must carry on producing and "keep wheels turning" through the coronavirus outbreak to support exports and sustain the supply of basic goods, President Tayyip Erdogan has said following a cabinet meeting.
He is the latest of a number of strongman politicians who have urged for productivity to continue despite the outbreak, following on from Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil and Donald Trump in the US.
Mr Erdogan also launched a campaign to collect donations from Turkish citizens to contain the impact of the pandemic, saying he was donating seven months of his salary to the cause.
UK Coronavirus stats
While London is still the UK epicentre of the outbreak other regions are now seeing a sharp rise in the number of cases - most notably the Midlands.
Here's a breakdown of NHS regions by case:
London: 6,521
Midlands: 3,188
South East: 2,101
North East and Yorkshire: 2,087
North West: 1,847
East of England: 1,339
South West: 818
And here's the top five local authorities, with Birmingham now leading the way.
Birmingham: 578
Hampshire: 498
Sheffield: 428
Southwark: 368
Lambeth: 366
Brent: 359
Here's a breakdown of NHS regions by case:
London: 6,521
Midlands: 3,188
South East: 2,101
North East and Yorkshire: 2,087
North West: 1,847
East of England: 1,339
South West: 818
And here's the top five local authorities, with Birmingham now leading the way.
Birmingham: 578
Hampshire: 498
Sheffield: 428
Southwark: 368
Lambeth: 366
Brent: 359
Polish president calls for electoral delay
Poland should consider postponing presidential elections scheduled for 10 May if health and safety conditions can't be guaranteed, the nation's president Andrzej Duda has said.
Poland's ruling nationalists have insisted so far that there was no need to postpone the elections despite calls from opposition candidates for a delay.
Duda is an ally of the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party.
There are 1,984 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Poland and 26 deaths
Poland should consider postponing presidential elections scheduled for 10 May if health and safety conditions can't be guaranteed, the nation's president Andrzej Duda has said.
Poland's ruling nationalists have insisted so far that there was no need to postpone the elections despite calls from opposition candidates for a delay.
Duda is an ally of the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party.
There are 1,984 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Poland and 26 deaths
