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Day 47: Key points from today's conference

Posted on May 2020 By Aaron Liffen

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Today​'s daily coronavirus briefing was led by Health Secretary Matt Hancock on the deadline day itself for the government's testing target of 100,000 by the end of April. He was joined by Professor John Newton, the national testing coordinator and Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England's national director.

Key points to take away from today's speech are: 

  • 739 more people with coronavirus have died across the UK

  • Hancock: NHS to resume fertility services

  • The government has surpassed its testing target of 100,000 a day by the end of March, Matt Hancock announces. 122,347 tests were carried out on Thursday. Hancock adds "The testing capacity we've built will help every single person in this country"

  • The total number of people who have died with COVID-19 is 27,510

  • Mr Hancock has paid tribute to the masses of businesses who have helped the government reach its testing goal.

  • Hancock: A new app will tell people if they have been in contact who has had COVID-19

  • Hancock: "Tracking and tracing will help us get R down and help us lift lockdown measures"

  • Prof Newton: The decision to enter lockdown was not based on availability of testing - but will help us come out

  • Prof Newton: We now have a substantial and capable testing system - which will be used to keep patients and staff safe in care services. 

    It will also help us see how the virus is spreading and drive down transmission.

​84% of adults have said they have not left their home, or only left for permitted reasons, with 87% saying they have avoided contact with vulnerable people. 

45% of adults are now working from home - an increase of 12% on last year.

To read a brief summary of last night's points and important measures click here.