UK coronavirus cases leap to 456 as country records largest day-on-day increase

The UK has recorded its largest day-on-day increase in coronavirus cases as 456 people have tested positive for the virus.

It is a leap from 373 cases at the same point on Tuesday, the Department of Health said.

This is the largest day on day jump, with cases more than doubling in just four days.

Eight people have died from the virus in the UK and the latest person was in Warwickshire, NHS England confirmed.

A 53-year-old woman is reported to have died from Covid-19 in Indonesia, with the Foreign Office offering support to her family.

In Scotland, cases have increased by a third, with 36 people now having tested positive for the disease.

The UK has recorded its largest day-on-day increase. Credit: PA

The rise in cases comes as Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out plans for the health service in his Budget and pledged security and support for those who are sick and unable to work due to the spread of Covid-19.

Mr Sunak said: "Whatever extra resources our NHS needs to cope with coronavirus it will get...whether it's millions of pounds or billions of pounds, whatever it needs, whatever it costs, we stand behind our NHS."

He offered support to any workers who become too ill to work, with new measures including the ability to obtain a sick note by contacting 111 rather than having to visit a GP.

Mr Sunak said those working in the gig economy or who are self-employed will get quicker and easier access to benefits.

Rishi Sunak announced statutory sick pay for all those who are advised to self-isolate. Credit: PA

He announced statutory sick pay for “all those who are advised to self-isolate” even if they have not displayed symptoms.

But he admitted there was "likely to be a temporary disruption" to the economy as a result of coronavirus but insisted his plans would bring "stability and security".

Mr Sunak promised a temporary coronavirus loan scheme to help small and medium-sized companies.

The Government said there were no plans to test any ministers, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, for Covid-19 after health minister Nadine Dorries announced she had the virus.

PHE said it had assessed the risk of Ms Dorries' individual close contacts and only those with symptoms need to self-isolate.

NHS has increased coronavirus testing by 500%. Credit: PA

NHS has announced it was ramping up coronavirus testing in a bid to deal with the spread of the disease.

More than 25,000 tests have been carried out by public health officials, but the NHS is “scaling up” tests by 500% and officials hope to analyse 10,000 swabs every day of the week.

In other developments:

  • NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens announced plans to "invite up to 18,000 third year undergraduate nurses to help out on the frontline" in the battle against coronavirus

  • England's cricketers have been instructed not to sign autographs or pose for selfies with fans during their test tour of Sri Lanka, while Manchester City's Premier League clash with Arsenal has been postponed as a "precautionary measure" over coronavirus fears

  • Cambodian health authorities are testing people on a cruise boat docked in Kampong Cham, Cambodia, after a British passenger was reported to be infected with Covid-19. The vessel had sailed from Vietnam.

  • British nationals from the Grand Princess cruise ship in the port of Oakland, California, will land in Birmingham on Wednesday evening and will be asked to go into self-isolation

  • The Bank of England announced an emergency cut in interest rates from 0.75% to 0.25% in response to the economic impact of coronavirus.

An underground worker at London Bridge is carrying out TfL cleaning procedures they have introduced. Credit: PA

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know