Coronavirus Cases In UK Could Be Moving In Right Direction

The current figures are a record high and bring the currently reported death toll above 6,000 for the first time. The rise of 786 is higher than Saturday's previous peak of 708 deaths reported in a single day.

We also know that this figure misses deaths that occurred but have not yet been reported, so the true death toll at this point is likely higher.

The number of coronavirus cases in the UK "could be moving in the right direction", the government's chief scientific adviser has said.

Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing, Sir Patrick Vallance said it was "possible that we're beginning to see... the curve flattening".

He added, however, it would be another "week or so" before he could be sure.

The foreign secretary, meanwhile, said the PM, who is in intensive care, is in "good spirits" and "stable".

It comes as the number of coronavirus hospital deaths in the UK rose to 6,159 - a record increase of 786 in a day, the Department of Health and Social Care said, compared with 439 on Monday.

So far, 55,242 people have tested positive in the UK - an increase of 3,634 on Monday's figures.

Speaking about the number of new cases, Sir Patrick said: "It is possible that we're beginning to see the beginning of change in terms of the curve flattening a little bit.

"We won't know that for sure until a week or so. But what we're not seeing is an acceleration."

Sir Patrick stressed it was important to continue with the social distancing measures to ensure a reduction in the number of new cases.