The European Commission has warned countries against easing coronavirus lockdowns too quickly, as some nations began allowing partial returns to work.
Spanish workers have returned to some factory jobs while in Italy, where the death toll is more than 21,000, bookshops, laundries and children’s clothes stores have reopened on a trial basis, as numbers of cases have started to fall in some places.
But European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said: “This is not – it is not – a signal that confinement, containment measures can be lifted as of now.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the outbreak is continuing to grow in other part of Europe, including Britain, where a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies has been revealed in a leaked Public Health England report.
It came as US president Donald Trump suspended funding to the WHO while his administration reviews what he described as the body’s “disastrous” role in “covering up” the outbreak of coronavirus in China.
Follow the latest updates below
New Yorkers told to wear face masks in public
New York governor Andrew Cuomo has said state residents will be required to wear face coverings when they are out and coming in close contact with other people.
The new mandate will require a mask or face covering on busy streets, public transit or any situation where people cannot maintain 6 feet of social distancing. The executive order is similar to recommendations already in effect in New York City and will be in force Friday.
"Stopping the spread is everything. How can you not wear a mask when you're going to come close to a person?" Cuomo said at his daily briefing. "On what theory would you not do that?"
The governor said there will initially be no civil penalties for noncompliance, but he's urging merchants to enforce it among customers.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo has said state residents will be required to wear face coverings when they are out and coming in close contact with other people.
The new mandate will require a mask or face covering on busy streets, public transit or any situation where people cannot maintain 6 feet of social distancing. The executive order is similar to recommendations already in effect in New York City and will be in force Friday.
"Stopping the spread is everything. How can you not wear a mask when you're going to come close to a person?" Cuomo said at his daily briefing. "On what theory would you not do that?"
The governor said there will initially be no civil penalties for noncompliance, but he's urging merchants to enforce it among customers.
Illinois governor 'has given up' waiting for Trump to help states with coronavirus testing
The Governor of Illinois said he no longer expects any help from the federal government and has written off President Donald Trump's coronavirus testing efforts as "nearly irrelevant."
JB Pritzker, the state's governor, appeared on CNN's Erin Burnett OutFront, and told the host that he'd given up on waiting for the federal government to help the state with coronavirus testing.
"We have gotten very little help from the federal government. It's fine. I've given up on any promises that have been made," he said. "I hope something will get delivered from the federal government, but I don't expect it anymore."
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The Governor of Illinois said he no longer expects any help from the federal government and has written off President Donald Trump's coronavirus testing efforts as "nearly irrelevant."
JB Pritzker, the state's governor, appeared on CNN's Erin Burnett OutFront, and told the host that he'd given up on waiting for the federal government to help the state with coronavirus testing.
"We have gotten very little help from the federal government. It's fine. I've given up on any promises that have been made," he said. "I hope something will get delivered from the federal government, but I don't expect it anymore."
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Illinois governor 'has given up' waiting for Trump to help states with coronavirus testing
'I hope something will get delivered from the federal government, but I don’t expect it anymore'
WHO - 'We regret Trump's decision, but now it's time to focus'
The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said he regrets Donald Trump's decision to pull funding for the agency - but that now is the time for the world to be united in its fight against the coronavirus.
Mr Trump, who has reacted angrily to accusations that his administration's response to the worst public health crisis in a century was slow and haphazard, had become increasingly hostile toward the UN agency before announcing his move yesterday.
He said the Geneva-based WHO had promoted Chinese "disinformation" about the virus, which had probably led to a wider outbreak than otherwise would have occurred.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference that the United States "has been a long-standing and generous friend of the WHO, and we hope it will continue to be so."
"WHO is reviewing the impact on our work of any withdrawal of U.S. funding and we will work with partners to fill any gaps and ensure our work continues uninterrupted," Mr Tedros added.
The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said he regrets Donald Trump's decision to pull funding for the agency - but that now is the time for the world to be united in its fight against the coronavirus.
Mr Trump, who has reacted angrily to accusations that his administration's response to the worst public health crisis in a century was slow and haphazard, had become increasingly hostile toward the UN agency before announcing his move yesterday.
He said the Geneva-based WHO had promoted Chinese "disinformation" about the virus, which had probably led to a wider outbreak than otherwise would have occurred.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference that the United States "has been a long-standing and generous friend of the WHO, and we hope it will continue to be so."
"WHO is reviewing the impact on our work of any withdrawal of U.S. funding and we will work with partners to fill any gaps and ensure our work continues uninterrupted," Mr Tedros added.
US CDC reports 2,330 deaths in 24 hours
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 605,390 cases of coronavirus, an increase of 26,385 cases from its previous count, and said the number of deaths had risen by 2,330 to 24,582.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 605,390 cases of coronavirus, an increase of 26,385 cases from its previous count, and said the number of deaths had risen by 2,330 to 24,582.
Mike Pompeo reiterates Trump complaints over Chinese transparency
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has spoken with a senior Chinese diplomat to underscore the Trump administration's demand that China be transparent and share information about the origins and spread of the new coronavirus.
Amid the administration's increasingly vocal complaints about Beijing's response to the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus in the city of Wuhan, the State Department said Mr Pompeo spoke with Yang Jiechi, a former Chinese foreign minister who now runs the foreign affairs office of China's Communist Party.
The call came a day after President Donald Trump froze Washington's payments to the World Health Organisation after accusing it of bowing to Chinese pressure to downplay the pandemic's severity.
Mr Pompeo "stressed the need for full transparency and information sharing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent future outbreaks," the department said in a statement.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has spoken with a senior Chinese diplomat to underscore the Trump administration's demand that China be transparent and share information about the origins and spread of the new coronavirus.
Amid the administration's increasingly vocal complaints about Beijing's response to the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus in the city of Wuhan, the State Department said Mr Pompeo spoke with Yang Jiechi, a former Chinese foreign minister who now runs the foreign affairs office of China's Communist Party.
The call came a day after President Donald Trump froze Washington's payments to the World Health Organisation after accusing it of bowing to Chinese pressure to downplay the pandemic's severity.
Mr Pompeo "stressed the need for full transparency and information sharing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent future outbreaks," the department said in a statement.
Brussels unveils roadmap for lifting of lockdowns across Europe
Brussels has unveiled a roadmap for the lifting of coronavirus lockdown measures, warning members states should coordinate any easing of restrictions rather than going it alone.
Brussels has unveiled a roadmap for the lifting of coronavirus lockdown measures, warning members states should coordinate any easing of restrictions rather than going it alone.
The European Commission said its 27 member states should move cautiously and follow scientific evidence, as Austria, Denmark, and the Czech republic started to roll back lockdowns.
"This roadmap is not a signal that containment measures can be lifted as of now but intends to provide a frame for Member State decisions," said Euroepan Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
"In general, we recommend a gradual approach and every action should be continuously monitored.
Brussels unveils roadmap for lifting of lockdowns across Europe
European Commission wants gradual and cautious approach
Pregnant NHS nurse dies from Covid-19 but baby saved
The baby of a pregnant nurse has been saved as the mother died after contracting Covid-19.
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who worked as a nurse on a general ward at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital for five years, died on Sunday.
But her baby, a little girl, was delivered successfully and is doing well, according to the hospital.
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The baby of a pregnant nurse has been saved as the mother died after contracting Covid-19.
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who worked as a nurse on a general ward at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital for five years, died on Sunday.
But her baby, a little girl, was delivered successfully and is doing well, according to the hospital.
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Pregnant NHS nurse dies from Covid-19 but baby saved
Little girl doing well, hospital says, but it's unclear whether she has tested positive
Coronavirus job retention scheme extended after backlash from workers
The Treasury has extended the coronavirus job retention scheme cut-off date by three weeks, after sustained pressure from thousands of workers who were at risk of being laid off across the country.
Under the programme, announced by the chancellor Rishi Sunak last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80 per cent of the wages for a furloughed worker – to a maximum of £2,500 per month.
The Independent reported shortly after the scheme was unveiled, however, that thousands of people who had just started their roles were at risk of losing their jobs due the cut-off date.
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The Treasury has extended the coronavirus job retention scheme cut-off date by three weeks, after sustained pressure from thousands of workers who were at risk of being laid off across the country.
Under the programme, announced by the chancellor Rishi Sunak last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80 per cent of the wages for a furloughed worker – to a maximum of £2,500 per month.
The Independent reported shortly after the scheme was unveiled, however, that thousands of people who had just started their roles were at risk of losing their jobs due the cut-off date.
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Coronavirus job retention scheme extended after backlash from workers
Minister Penny Mordaunt says ‘sorry’ government didn’t act sooner
Pregnant nurse dies after contracting virus
A pregnant nurse has died at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who worked as a nurse on a general ward at the hospital, died on Sunday.
The baby was successfully delivered and is doing well, according to the hospital.
David Carter, chief executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Mary worked here for five years and was a highly valued and loved member of our team, a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this trust.
"She tested positive for Covid-19 after being tested on 5th of April and was admitted to the hospital on the 7th April.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary's family and friends at this sad time."
A pregnant nurse has died at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who worked as a nurse on a general ward at the hospital, died on Sunday.
The baby was successfully delivered and is doing well, according to the hospital.
David Carter, chief executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Mary worked here for five years and was a highly valued and loved member of our team, a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this trust.
"She tested positive for Covid-19 after being tested on 5th of April and was admitted to the hospital on the 7th April.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary's family and friends at this sad time."
Quarter of all coronavirus-related deaths in Scotland in care homes
Nicola Sturgeon has announced new measures to protect people in care after new figures revealed almost a quarter of all coronavirus-related deaths in Scotland have been in care homes
Nicola Sturgeon has announced new measures to protect people in care after new figures revealed almost a quarter of all coronavirus-related deaths in Scotland have been in care homes
Statistics covering the start of the outbreak until 12 April show 962 recorded fatalities had Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate.
Of these, 237 (24.6 per cent) were in care homes, 596 (62 per cent) were in hospitals, 128 (13.3 per cent) were in homes or other places listed as non-institutions and one was listed as other.
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Quarter of all coronavirus-related deaths in Scotland in care homes
Nicola Sturgeon vows any resident displaying symptoms of Covid-19 will be tested
Social distancing is working, deputy chief science officer says
Restrictions on social interactions to contain the coronavirus outbreak are working and have flattened the curve of new virus cases, the deputy chief medical officer has said.
"What I see that encourages me ... is two weeks now of, definitely not increasing any more. I see a flattened curve," said Angela McLean, referring to the data below.
"For me that is evidence that what everyone has done together has worked."
Restrictions on social interactions to contain the coronavirus outbreak are working and have flattened the curve of new virus cases, the deputy chief medical officer has said.
"What I see that encourages me ... is two weeks now of, definitely not increasing any more. I see a flattened curve," said Angela McLean, referring to the data below.
"For me that is evidence that what everyone has done together has worked."
Whitty - Nation around the peak of the epidemic, but deaths will still rise
The nation is probably at the peak of the coronavirus outbreak, the government's chief medical officer Chris Whitty has said, however he predicted the number of deaths would continue to go up.
"It's probably reaching the peak overall", he said. "My expectation will be the number of deaths will go up. After a four day weekend, there may well be a bounce up tomorrow.
"We think high levels of deaths will continue."
The nation is probably at the peak of the coronavirus outbreak, the government's chief medical officer Chris Whitty has said, however he predicted the number of deaths would continue to go up.
"It's probably reaching the peak overall", he said. "My expectation will be the number of deaths will go up. After a four day weekend, there may well be a bounce up tomorrow.
"We think high levels of deaths will continue."
London sees 5 per cent decline in patients
London has seen a 5 per cent fall in coronavirus patients - marking a moment of positive decline in the country's worst afflicted region.
London has seen a 5 per cent fall in coronavirus patients - marking a moment of positive decline in the country's worst afflicted region.
Here is our health correspondent Shaun Lintern with the data:
Matt Hancock unveils further testing for care sector
All care home residents discharged from hospital will be tested before being returned to care - the health secretary has said as part of a new plan for the sector.
All symptomatic residents will also be tested under the government plans, while all workers and families will also be offered virus testing.
Matt Hancock added PPE supplies will be increased, building on the system in place for the NHS.
The government have also produced a singular "brand" for social care workers, releasing a badge to make carers more readily recognisable, he said.
"Our goal throughout has been to protect residents and to support our 1.5 million colleagues who work in social care", he said.
"Our goal throughout has been to protect residents and to support our 1.5 million colleagues who work in social care", he said.
Matt Hancock begins government briefing by praising pensioner
The health secretary has paid special tribute to 99 year old veteran Captain Tom Moore who has raised more than £7.75million for NHS charities together.
"Captain, you're an inspiration to us all", the minister said.
"Captain, you're an inspiration to us all", the minister said.
Oasis and Warehouse enter administration
High-street fashion chains Oasis and Warehouse have collapsed into administration, affecting 2,000 workers across 92 branches and 437 concessions.
More than 1,800 workers are expected to be furloughed along with around 200 redundancies, according to administrators Deloitte.
High-street fashion chains Oasis and Warehouse have collapsed into administration, affecting 2,000 workers across 92 branches and 437 concessions.
More than 1,800 workers are expected to be furloughed along with around 200 redundancies, according to administrators Deloitte.
UK-EU trade talks will continue despite pandemic
UK-EU trade talks will carry on despite the coronavirus crisis as the government insists on pressing ahead with its Brexit timetable - Lizzy Buchan writes.
David Frost, the UK’s chief negotiator, and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier met by videolink today where they agreed to continue trade talks remotely, with regular virtual meetings scheduled over the next three months.
In a joint statement, both teams said “real, tangible progress” was needed by June on hammering out the major trade agreement needed to prevent a no-deal crash out at the end of the year.
A crunch meeting will be held in June to “take stock of the progress made”, the statement said.
Any extension to the transition period must be made by July, according to the terms of the withdrawal agreement.
Boris Johnson has repeatedly refused to countenance a delay - despite the pressures of the coronavirus outbreak, which has decimated the negotiating teams. Mr Barnier contracted coronavirus and has now recovered, while Mr Frost was forced to self isolate after displaying Covid-19 symptoms.
UK-EU trade talks will carry on despite the coronavirus crisis as the government insists on pressing ahead with its Brexit timetable - Lizzy Buchan writes.
David Frost, the UK’s chief negotiator, and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier met by videolink today where they agreed to continue trade talks remotely, with regular virtual meetings scheduled over the next three months.
In a joint statement, both teams said “real, tangible progress” was needed by June on hammering out the major trade agreement needed to prevent a no-deal crash out at the end of the year.
A crunch meeting will be held in June to “take stock of the progress made”, the statement said.
Any extension to the transition period must be made by July, according to the terms of the withdrawal agreement.
Boris Johnson has repeatedly refused to countenance a delay - despite the pressures of the coronavirus outbreak, which has decimated the negotiating teams. Mr Barnier contracted coronavirus and has now recovered, while Mr Frost was forced to self isolate after displaying Covid-19 symptoms.
Coming up: the Downing Street briefing
The health secretary Matt Hancock will lead the government's coronavirus press conference today, alongside chief medical officer Professor Chis Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Ministry of Defence, Professor Angela McLean.
The health secretary Matt Hancock will lead the government's coronavirus press conference today, alongside chief medical officer Professor Chis Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Ministry of Defence, Professor Angela McLean.
Top ten regions for coronavirus-related fines
Here's the top ten police forces across England and Wales for issuing coronavirus-related fines to those breaking social distancing guidance:
1 - Lancashire: 380
2 - Thames Valley: 219
3 - Surrey: 205
4 - Devon & Cornwall: 169
5 - Sussex: 163
6 - North Yorkshire: 150
7 - British Transport Police: 148
8 - West Midlands: 139
9 - Norfolk: 126
10 - Dyfed Powys: 123
And the ten lowest:
1 - Humberside: 2
2 - Ministry of Defence Police: 2
3 - Staffordshire: 4
4 - Warwickshire: 5
5 - Northamptonshire: 12
6 - Durham: 14
7 - Cheshire: 17
8 - Essex: 20
9 - Nottinghamshire: 21
10 - Dorset: 23
Here's the top ten police forces across England and Wales for issuing coronavirus-related fines to those breaking social distancing guidance:
1 - Lancashire: 380
2 - Thames Valley: 219
3 - Surrey: 205
4 - Devon & Cornwall: 169
5 - Sussex: 163
6 - North Yorkshire: 150
7 - British Transport Police: 148
8 - West Midlands: 139
9 - Norfolk: 126
10 - Dyfed Powys: 123
And the ten lowest:
1 - Humberside: 2
2 - Ministry of Defence Police: 2
3 - Staffordshire: 4
4 - Warwickshire: 5
5 - Northamptonshire: 12
6 - Durham: 14
7 - Cheshire: 17
8 - Essex: 20
9 - Nottinghamshire: 21
10 - Dorset: 23
Devoted elderly couple die from coronavirus just hours apart
An elderly couple who had been married for 60 years have died within hours of each other after contracting coronavirus.
Great-grandparents Pat Howells, 80, and husband Bryn, 86, each died at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in South Wales on Monday.
The couple, described as “pillars of the community”, contracted Covid-19 despite spending four weeks in self-isolation at their home in Gelli, a village in the Rhondda Fawr valley.
An elderly couple who had been married for 60 years have died within hours of each other after contracting coronavirus.
Great-grandparents Pat Howells, 80, and husband Bryn, 86, each died at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in South Wales on Monday.
The couple, described as “pillars of the community”, contracted Covid-19 despite spending four weeks in self-isolation at their home in Gelli, a village in the Rhondda Fawr valley.
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