Police have gained the power to fine people up to £960 or arrest them if they repeatedly break coronavirus lockdown rules, while Boris Johnson has been urged to explain why he declined cooperation with the EU in purchasing medical equipment.
Rishi Sunak has announced long-awaited state help for the self-employed, following figures that showed nearly one-quarter of them had been living in relative poverty even before coronavirus struck.
The NHS has now asked for 750,000 volunteers to help it tackle coronavirus, after more than half a million people signed up overnight.
Please allow a moment for the blog to load
Team GB streams 2012 Olympic opening ceremony to take minds off virus
Do you remember 2012, when Britain hosted the world's largest sporting event? When Bolt ran 100m in less than 10 seconds? When the Queen jumped from a helicopter alongside James Bond? When the mayor of London got stuck on a zip wire in a move that somehow paved the way for him to become the nation's prime minister during a time of unparrallelled crisis?
Well if you feel like a little burst of nostalgia and soft patriotism, Team GB is live streaming the entire Danny Boyle directed opening ceremony to help people park their worries for a bit.
London mayor joins voices concerned over self-employed scheme
Sadiq Khan has responded to the chancellors self-employed scheme like many officials - praising the substance while raising concern over its timing.
Sadiq Khan has responded to the chancellors self-employed scheme like many officials - praising the substance while raising concern over its timing.
"Today's announcement by the Chancellor is welcome and will help millions of people," Mr Khan tweeted.
"However, June is some time away and concerns remain that many self-employed and freelancers could be excluded in London, where the cost of living is higher than elsewhere.
"Whether applying for Universal Credit or accessing this new support, having to wait weeks or even months risks leaving people unable to pay bills and put food on the table.
"I'll continue to urge Govt to provide the right levels of financial help as soon as practically possible."
UK cases rise to 11,658 as deaths reach 578
There are now 11,658 positive coronavirus cases in the UK, with 578 deaths.
There are now 11,658 positive coronavirus cases in the UK, with 578 deaths.
The figure incorporates fatalities from 5pm on the 24th to 5pm on 25 March.
More below:
Coronavirus UK death toll rises by more than 100 in a day for first time
Fatalities include two elderly patients without underlying health conditions
Rishi Sunak: What has the chancellor offered the self employed?
The chancellor has unveiled measures to protect the self employed and freelancers following concern the group had been left behind by funding initiatives.
However criticism has been levelled due to the time it may take to see the scheme take force.
Here's political editor Andrew Woodcock and correspondent Lizzy Buchan with more.
The chancellor has unveiled measures to protect the self employed and freelancers following concern the group had been left behind by funding initiatives.
However criticism has been levelled due to the time it may take to see the scheme take force.
Here's political editor Andrew Woodcock and correspondent Lizzy Buchan with more.
Rishi Sunak announces monthly grants for self-employed workers
But scheme sparks immediate backlash over possible June start dateGlobal case total pushes past 500,000
The number of cases announced worldwide has pushed past half a million, Johns Hopkins University which is tracking the spread has confirmed.
The 510,000 confirmed instances is 40,000 more than the figure cited at the start of the day.
Kate Ng has more:
Coronavirus cases surpass 500,000 worldwide
The number of infections worldwide has risen by almost 40,000 in past 24 hours
Governors urge Bolsonaro to work with them
25 of Brazil's 27 governors have urged president Jair Bolsonaro to offer more federal support in tackling the virus.
25 of Brazil's 27 governors have urged president Jair Bolsonaro to offer more federal support in tackling the virus.
"Our main priority is to take care of people's lives, not forgetting the responsibility of managing the economy," they wrote.
"We once again ask President Jair Bolsonaro to join forces with the governors in the fight against the coronavirus crisis and its humanitarian and economic impacts."
The populist president, who like Donald Trump has pushed to keep the country open to spur on the economy, yesterday accused governors of criminality for enforcing lockdowns.
Failure to test NHS staff 'illogical'
Lizzy Buchan reports on parliament's Health and Social Care Committee, which is hearing evidence on the nation's response to Covid-19
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association, has told parliament's health and social care committee the failure to test NHS staff was “illogical” and hampering efforts to fight the disease as many staff were self isolating without knowing if they had the virus.
He told the committee: "At this time of year, it is estimated that 10% of the population could have a symptom of a temperature or a cough in a non-Covid situation.
"We had situations where many GP practices and hospitals were understaffed, the staff themselves who were self-isolating were telling us they felt able to work but were following the guidance, and that if they were able to be tested they would come back to work.
"It seems counter-intuitive that we are reducing our workforce when we need our NHS workforce the most.
"On 16 March we heard from the prime minister an announcement that healthcare workers would be prioritised but that hasn't materialised."
Lizzy Buchan reports on parliament's Health and Social Care Committee, which is hearing evidence on the nation's response to Covid-19
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association, has told parliament's health and social care committee the failure to test NHS staff was “illogical” and hampering efforts to fight the disease as many staff were self isolating without knowing if they had the virus.
He told the committee: "At this time of year, it is estimated that 10% of the population could have a symptom of a temperature or a cough in a non-Covid situation.
"We had situations where many GP practices and hospitals were understaffed, the staff themselves who were self-isolating were telling us they felt able to work but were following the guidance, and that if they were able to be tested they would come back to work.
"It seems counter-intuitive that we are reducing our workforce when we need our NHS workforce the most.
"On 16 March we heard from the prime minister an announcement that healthcare workers would be prioritised but that hasn't materialised."
Cambs police asked if citizen allowed to feed horse
Cambridgeshire Police has recieved a spate of calls from the public asking for more information on movement restrictions deployed to stem the spread of the virus.
Cambridgeshire Police has recieved a spate of calls from the public asking for more information on movement restrictions deployed to stem the spread of the virus.
The force said one person asked if they could leave the house to feed their horse, while another asked if they could go fishing and a third checking if their daughter could come over for dinner.
Chief constable Nick Dean said: "Whilst we appreciate people are calling us in good faith, our 999-emergency line and our 101 non-emergency line are for policing matters only."
Home testing kits could be available 'in a couple of weeks
Professor Yvonne Doyle, medical director for Public Health England, said home tests for coronavirus could be available in a “couple of weeks” - Lizzy Buchan reports.
She said there will be "a million tests that people can do themselves", adding: “In other words, members of the public will be able to take a blood test and send it back in the post and get that analysed.”
She told the health and social care committee: “That is an antibody test that tells you if you have had the condition.
"That is absolutely critical for two reasons: to understand what it is going on but also to allow people to return to work.
"That is well advanced but not ready yet. We need to be absolutely sure it is a valid test.
"We expect that to come within a couple of weeks but I wouldn't want to over promise on that, and I think the chief medical officer [Prof Chris Whitty] has been absolutely clear on it being right before it is put out."
Her comments came after medical experts sparked confusion on when such tests could be ready. Prof Sharon Peacock, of PHE, said millions of tests could be available within days on Wednesday, but the chief medical officer later took a more cautious stance, saying the tests would not be ready until the government was certain they were accurate.
She said there will be "a million tests that people can do themselves", adding: “In other words, members of the public will be able to take a blood test and send it back in the post and get that analysed.”
She told the health and social care committee: “That is an antibody test that tells you if you have had the condition.
"That is absolutely critical for two reasons: to understand what it is going on but also to allow people to return to work.
"That is well advanced but not ready yet. We need to be absolutely sure it is a valid test.
"We expect that to come within a couple of weeks but I wouldn't want to over promise on that, and I think the chief medical officer [Prof Chris Whitty] has been absolutely clear on it being right before it is put out."
Her comments came after medical experts sparked confusion on when such tests could be ready. Prof Sharon Peacock, of PHE, said millions of tests could be available within days on Wednesday, but the chief medical officer later took a more cautious stance, saying the tests would not be ready until the government was certain they were accurate.
Politicians hit out at Chancellor's self-employed pledge
MPs have criticised the chancellor's pledges to support the self employed - particularly that people will be unable to claim until June.
Labour MP David Lammy tweeted: "Leaving the five million self-employed Brits without any support until June is a slap in the face. Many will be bankrupt by then. And why is there an eligibility cap for the self-employed but not the employed? This is not what I call fair."
SNP MP Stephen Flynn tweeted: "I did hear June. What on earth are they doing. My constituents simply cannot wait until June. They need help, now. No wonder he didn't announce it in Parliament yesterday."
Liberal Democrat MP and leadership candidate Layla Moran posted: "80% grant for the self-employed is welcome. But waiting until June does not give self-employed parity with those in employment."
Afghanistan releases 10,000 prisoners
Afghanistan has released 10,000 prisoners over the age of 55 to prevent the further spread of the virus, following on from a similar initiative that was rolled out by neighbouring Iran.
A spokesperson for president Ashraf Ghani's office said: "The president has issued a decree that several thousand prisoners will be released soon due to coronavirus".
The 10,000 will not include members of the Taliban or ISIS.
Afghanistan has released 10,000 prisoners over the age of 55 to prevent the further spread of the virus, following on from a similar initiative that was rolled out by neighbouring Iran.
A spokesperson for president Ashraf Ghani's office said: "The president has issued a decree that several thousand prisoners will be released soon due to coronavirus".
The 10,000 will not include members of the Taliban or ISIS.
New York death toll in perspective:
In a shocking reflection on the spread of the virus in New York, the state has seen more deaths in a 24 hour period than there have been US fatalities in Afghanistan since 2016.
In one hospital in the borough of Queens, 13 people admitted with symptoms of Covid-19 died on 25 March alone. One doctor at the hospital told the New York Times the situation there is “apocalyptic”.
Here is Andrew Naughtie with more:
New York has more coronavirus deaths in one day than all US deaths in Afghanistan since 2016
City is fighting to slow the rate of infections and hospitalisations as health care system is overwhelmed
Italy's case rate rises to 80,539
The number of cases in Italy has risen to 80,539 - up from 74,386 the previous day.
Meanwhile the overall death toll has risen by 662 to 8,165.
Rishis Sunak pleadges financial support for the self employed
Rishi Sunak has inveiled a self employed income support scheme, paying a taxable grant worth 80% of their average income over the last 3 years, with a cap of £2,500 a month.
The Chancellor said the next step in the financial response to the virus would be "new support for the self employed" while acknowledging the sector spanned groups as broad as musicians, plumbers and child minders.
The scheme will be open to those already in self employment who earn the majority of their income through their self employed work.
The scheme will be open to those already in self employment who earn the majority of their income through their self employed work.
A greater number of self employed people will also be eligible to apply for universal credit, he added.
He added he believed the government's pledges across the board would mark the most significant financial intervention in the history of the nation.
Australian scientists find similar virus in trafficked pangolins
Australian scientists have found viruses similar to the one that has caused the global pandemic in trafficked pangolins.
A study from the University of Sydney found the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which cases Covid-19, is genetically similar to a strain effecting Malayan pangolins in southern China.
While unproven, it is believed the virus may have originated in a wild animal market in the city of Wuhan.
More from Samuel Lovett below:
Australian scientists have found viruses similar to the one that has caused the global pandemic in trafficked pangolins.
A study from the University of Sydney found the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which cases Covid-19, is genetically similar to a strain effecting Malayan pangolins in southern China.
While unproven, it is believed the virus may have originated in a wild animal market in the city of Wuhan.
More from Samuel Lovett below:
Scientists find virus similar to Covid-19 in pangolins
Research from University of Sydney warns ‘handling these animals requires considerable caution’
Rishi Sunak is due to speak in the government's daily press conference
The chancellor is expected to comment on provisions for the self-employed and freelancers - a matter of debate over the last two weeks due to the wide range of pay scales and styles of employment incorporated in the group.
US Cancer and Aids patients will be refused ventilators under controversial state plan
Hospitals in Alabama, USA, will base their decisions on who will be supplied with a ventilator by assessing who has the best chance of survival, an 18-page state plan for a “mass-casualty respiratory emergency” has revealed.
Created in 2009, the 18 page plan says those suffering from end stage organ failure due to underlying health conditions from cancer to severe burns will not be offered the devices.
Chris Riotta in our New York bureau has more:
Hospitals in Alabama, USA, will base their decisions on who will be supplied with a ventilator by assessing who has the best chance of survival, an 18-page state plan for a “mass-casualty respiratory emergency” has revealed.
Created in 2009, the 18 page plan says those suffering from end stage organ failure due to underlying health conditions from cancer to severe burns will not be offered the devices.
Chris Riotta in our New York bureau has more:
Cancer and Aids patients will be refused life-saving ventilators to cope with coronavirus demand under controversial state plan
An 18-page plan is a 'measure of last resort' for Alabama hospitals in the event of a 'mass-casualty respiratory emergency'
Kenya confirms first death as a result of coronavirus
Kenya has confirmed its first death as a result of the coronavirus, with an infection rate of 31.
The nation has increasingly announced stringent directives levelled at its citizens, where eight in ten workers are engaged in manual labour of some kind and social distancing has proven difficult.
Government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna did not provide any further details on the death.
Kenya has confirmed its first death as a result of the coronavirus, with an infection rate of 31.
The nation has increasingly announced stringent directives levelled at its citizens, where eight in ten workers are engaged in manual labour of some kind and social distancing has proven difficult.
Government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna did not provide any further details on the death.
PM told to explain refusal of EU help on ventilators
Boris Johnson is coming under increasing pressure to explain why he has refused EU help to bulk-purchase medical equipment that Britain desperately needs in the fight against coronavirus., writes Jon Stone.
The prime minister was branded "ideological" and told he should do "whatever it takes" to help patients despite his dislike of the EU – after he ducked out of the procurement scheme.
Boris Johnson is coming under increasing pressure to explain why he has refused EU help to bulk-purchase medical equipment that Britain desperately needs in the fight against coronavirus., writes Jon Stone.
The prime minister was branded "ideological" and told he should do "whatever it takes" to help patients despite his dislike of the EU – after he ducked out of the procurement scheme.
New York Governor - almost any scenario will see hospitals overrun as death toll jumps by 100
The governor of New York Andrew Cuomo has said that almost any coronavirus scenario will see the hospital system overwhelmed.
The stark warning came as the US state - the worst afflicted across the country - reported an increase to its death toll of 100 people.
The total deaths in the state now stands at 385, while 3,537 new cases were reported to bring the region to a total figure of 21,393.
The governor of New York Andrew Cuomo has said that almost any coronavirus scenario will see the hospital system overwhelmed.
The stark warning came as the US state - the worst afflicted across the country - reported an increase to its death toll of 100 people.
The total deaths in the state now stands at 385, while 3,537 new cases were reported to bring the region to a total figure of 21,393.
