More than 1000 people have now died across the UK during the pandemic

This is the biggest day-on-day increase in deaths.

The number of people who have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus passed 1,000 today.

The jump in Covid-19-related deaths in the UK from 759 to 1,019 is an increase of 260 - by far the biggest day-on-day rise in the number of deaths since the outbreak began.

National Medical Director at NHS England, Stephen Powis answering questions from the media today via a video link during a media briefing in Downing Street. Picture: Pippa Fowles/PA Wire

More than 120,000 coronavirus tests have taken place, with more than 17,000 positive results.

The latest figures come after Scottish Secretary Alister Jack revealed he had developed mild symptoms of coronavirus and was self-isolating.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is already having to lead the response to the pandemic from isolation in Downing Street after he was diagnosed with the disease.

He has been accused of failing to follow his own social distancing rules after Health Secretary Matt Hancock tested positive and England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty began self-isolating with symptoms.