Coronavirus update: Bucks positive tests pass 400 as UK death toll exceeds 900 for second day

The UK death toll exceeded 900 for the second day running, with 917 more deaths revealed today.

78,991 people have now tested positive for coronavirus in the United Kingdom but only the seriously ill and some healthcare workers are able to access testing facilities so the true number is expected to be far higher.

As well as a lack of testing, the Government has also come under increasing pressure over its inability to provide adequate personal protection equipment (PPE) to frontline healthcare workers.

Speaking at the daily press conference, Home Secretary Priti Patel fell short of apologising but stated the following: "I'm sorry if people feel that there have been failings, I'll be very, very clear about that, but at the same time we are in an unprecedented global health pandemic right now.

“It is inevitable that the demand and the pressures on PPE and the demand for PPE are going to be exponential, they are going to be incredibly high, and of course we are trying to address that as a Government, but I think that is right, that is our priority.

“Matt Hancock, the secretary of health has spoken about this repeatedly."

Globally, 107,644 people have now died from coronavirus. At least 1.76 million have contracted the disease.

The latest NHS advice to help stop the spread of coronavirus is that you should only leave the house for one of the four following reasons:

- Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible

- One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household

- Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

- Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home

Ensure you are two metres apart from anyone outside of your household. You should also:

- Wash your hands with soap and water often – for at least 20 seconds

- Wash your hands as soon as you get home

- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

- Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands

- Not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean