Virus briefing
The coronavirus conferences have been taking place on a daily basis
A senior member of the Government will provide the update at 5pm, according to Downing Street.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
1
What was said during the coronavirus press briefing today?
Health Secretary Matt Hancock was joined by Professor Chris Whitty and Professor John Newton
Mr Hancock opened today's address by commenting on Mental Health, revealing the Government are giving £4.2m in funds to charities like the Samaritans, Young Minds and Mental Health UK.
Meanwhile, health and care workers have a bespoke service to get help by texting "FRONTLINE" to 85258.
With regards to today's figures, the UK death toll rose to 36,042.
The Health Secretary said he will back innovative ideas, whether they will work or not.
Among those is a swab test from OptiGene, which is currently being trialled.
Mr Hancock revealed this is time effective as it does not need to go off to a lab, rather can provide results in 20 minutes.
With regards to antibody tests, he said that they are NOT sure whether those that test positive on the antibody tests are immune to coronavirus.
The Health Secretary went on to reveal that around 17% of people tested in London had tested positive for antibodies, while the national figure is about 5%.
Antibody tests from Roche Diagnostics and Abbott Labs have been given a positive evaluation by Public Health England and approved by MHRA, with three further tests being currently assessed.
And Mr Hancock revealed that contracts have been signed to provide over 10 million tests from Roche and Abbott in the coming months, which will begin being rolled out from next week in a phased manner.
Health and care staff, patient and residents will receive the first batch, while each nation in the UK will be given a set amount for which it will be able to decide who gets them.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply 'Like' our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day - find out more.
What time was today’s coronavirus press briefing?
The coronavirus press briefing was held at 5pm from 10 Downing Street.
The conferences gives the press an opportunity to quiz the Government on its handling of the crisis.
Since March 16, these updates have been a daily occurrence.
Who was speaking?
Today's press briefing was chaired by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
He was joined by Professor Chris Whitty, the government's Chief Medical Officer and Professor John Newton
More on coronavirus
How can I watch it?
The press briefing can be watched live on the BBC.
You can also watch it on the Government's official YouTube page.
Our coronavirus live blog will also provide updates on what is being said at the conference.
Oliver Dowden announces plans to bring back live sport as spread of COVID-19 slows