Coronavirus: Testing target confidence and one million recoveries

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Friday morning. We'll have another update for you at 18:00 BST.

1. Daily 100,000 tests target 'likely' to be hit

Figures are not yet available to show whether the government hit its target of testing 100,000 people a day for coronavirus by the end of April but cabinet minister Grant Shapps believes it is "likely to get very close to or meet" it. "The point is to have available tests," he says.

Image copyright PA Media

2. Global recoveries passes one million mark

We're used to endless grim statistics, with the UK death toll now at 26,771, according to the Department of Health and Social Care. But more than one million people across the world are known to have recovered from the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Image copyright Getty Images

3. Hunger and hardship

A report by food bank charities points to an alarming rise in the number of people in need of essential supplies. "We have gone without meals so the children can eat," one woman forced to give up her zero-hours contract work tells us.

Image copyright Amie Smith

4. Doubts over council tips reopening

With many locked-down families catching up on DIY tasks, households in some areas may be able to take their extra rubbish to their local tip this weekend. But while some councils are reopening refuse sites amid a rise in fly-tipping, authorities in other areas say further safety measures are needed.

Image copyright Getty Images

5. Finding the lockdown positives

A brain tumour means Grace, 26, is stuck in a small flat - away from her family and boyfriend - as she shields herself from the virus. It's been a shock to the system - handwashing clothes in the bath - but the furloughed retail worker tells us how she's coping.

Media playback is unsupported on your device
Media captionGrace on how she's dealing with having to strictly isolate due to Covid-19

Get a longer coronavirus briefing from the BBC in your inbox, each weekday morning, by signing up here.

And don't forget...

You can find more information, advice and guides on our coronavirus page, and follow the latest developments on our live page.

If you're healthy, here are some simple steps you can take to help the people and businesses around you.


What questions do you have about coronavirus?

In some cases, your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy.

Use this form to ask your question:

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or send them via email to YourQuestions@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any question you send in.