Day 34: Key points from today's conference
Posted on April 2020 By Aaron Liffen

Today's daily coronavirus conference was led by Housing secretary Robert Jenrick, who was joined by Stephen Powis, the national medical director at NHS England.
114,217 people tested positive up 5,526 since yesterday; there are 17,759 people in hospital in the UK, down from 18,711. As of yesterday, 15,464 of those in hospital have sadly died.
Key points to take away from today's speech are:
Robert Jenrick announces £1.6bn to support local councils during the coronavirus pandemic. This has been announced to help councils keep providing vital services.
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick says 21,389 COVID-19 tests have been carried out in the last 24 hours.
Housing secretary says 250,000 packages of essential supplies have been delivered to the most vulnerable people across the UK. Mr Jenrick said 300,000 more boxes are expected to be delivered this week to those who are "shielding".
106-year-old veteran, Captain Tom Moore who this week raised over £22m for the NHS, has been rewarded with becoming the guest of honour at the opening of the new Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate next week.
The housing secretary says he has made clear to councils that all parks must remain open.
Mr Jenrick says people must be allowed to attend the funerals of their loved ones, following reports of some councils banning bereaved families from funeral services.
Over 90% of rough sleepers have been offered safe accommodation, the housing secretary has said. More than 5,400 vulnerable rough sleepers have been helped off the streets and from communal shelters during the pandemic.
Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, says there is evidence that the public is continuing to comply with lockdown rules.
The housing secretary says 84 tons of PPE for frontline health workers is expected to arrive in the UK tomorrow. He says it will include 400,000 gowns, calling it “a very significant additional shipment”.
Asked about Covid-19 deaths, Robert Jenrick says: "There does appear to be a disproportionate impact on BAME [black, Asian and minority ethnic] communities. For that reason the Chief Medical Officer is working with Public Health England to better understand issues. It's right to do thorough research."
Mr Jenrick said a visit to his parents was "entirely within the guidelines". The housing secretary said he had delivered medicines to his parents, who are elderly and self-isolating.
"We're increasingly confident there will be sufficient ventilator capacity in the NHS," Mr Jenrick has said.
Boris Johnson has had some contact with ministers and continues to recover at Chequers, Mr Jenrick has said.
To read a brief summary of last night's points and important measures click here.
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