The NHS is keeping up with the coronavirus workload UK health secretary Matt Hancock insists

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said spare capacity in the NHS meant it was able to accommodate the number of patients needing treatment for coronavirus.

“I am glad to say that the spare capacity in critical care in the NHS today has reached a new record high of 2657 beds," he said.

"Expanding the NHS faster than the growth in demand has been a critical objective throughout this crisis.

“It means that every single person who's accessed NHS care has been able to get the very best available – at no point has the NHS been unable to offer care to people suffering from coronavirus.

“Now I know at the start of this crisis some people said that would be impossible but so far we've met this objective throughout and I want to thank all those involved for their part in this national effort."

At today's Downing Street briefing Mr Hancock also revealed the UK death toll from coronavirus now stands at 12,868 people.

“This all just goes to show why we cannot let up in our efforts," he added.

"We cannot let go of the hard work that's been done so far. This shared sacrifice, and I know it's a sacrifice, is starting to work, but we will not lift these (lockdown) measures until it is safe to do so.”

The UK’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said: "We have not hit a point we can say confidently and safely this is past the peak and we can think about the next stages."

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