THE Government is urging people to stay at home over the Easter weekend and ignore the temptation to visit parks and beaches in the good weather.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock gave the daily briefing at 5pm from Downing Street today (Friday, April 10).

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson's condition continues to improve, Mr Hancock said, and added that Mr Johnson has been able to do short works among periods of rest.

Mr Hancock urged everyone to adhere to the government guidelines over the Easter weekend.

He said the government's plan remained to flatten the curve of the virus spread, and in doing so make sure the NHS has the capacity to deal with the cases.

Mr Hancock said for this to be effective it would require a national effort, and said Easter would be 'a test of the nation's resolve'.

Mr Hancock said: "However warm the weather, however tempting the beach or park, we need everyone to stay at home.

"NHS staff are battling day and night to keep desperately sick people breathing and they need you to stay at home."

Mr Hancock said there had been 19,116 tests had been carried out, 5,706 of which tested positive for Covid-19.

The number of deaths in the UK has now reached 8,958 - up by 980 since yesterday.

Mr Hancock said: "Behind each one is a name, a loss, and a family that will never be the same again."

Mr Hancock said there was now the capacity for all key social care staff and NHS staff who needed it to get tested.

He also added that due to huge international demand, there was a global shortage on PPE.