UK confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 603 to 3,269

The UK has recorded 3,269 confirmed cases, up from 2,626 yesterday, a rise of 643.

The increase is not the biggest rise in cases so far, with yesterday’s record rise of 676 surpassing it.

The government has confirmed that 128 people have died in Britain.

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There is now hope a test that can verify is someone had coronavirus and is now immune to it will soon be able to be deployed.

The test will allow people to resume normal life, according to the prime minister.

He said: The great thing about having a test to see whether you've had it enough, is suddenly a green light goes on above your head and you can go back to work safe and confident in the knowledge that you are most unlikely to get it again.

“So for an economic point of view, from a social point of view, it really could be a game-changer.”

Professor Sir Mark Walport told ITV’s Peston: “This may seem slow now but compared to the rate at which you have been able to develop a test like this for a few years, this is going at the speed of light.

“I think that diagnostics whether people have immunity… I think we are very close. I can't tell you the exact date when that is going to start but it will roll out quickly.”

New reactions to the outbreak include the government placing 20,000 troops on standby to deal with the crisis.

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They will be able to support the NHS to try and stop it being overwhelmed by the outbreak, with some soldiers being used to drive vital oxygen supplies.

Defence secretary Ben Wallace said: “The men and women of our Armed Forces stand ready to protect Britain and her citizens from all threats, including Covid-19.

“The unique flexibility and dedication of the services means that we are able to provide assistance across the whole of society in this time of need.”