UK announces 2,659 more coronavirus cases and eight deaths

The rise of 2,659 cases means almost 13,000 case have been diagnosed in the past four days alone. At a press briefing this afternoon, the chief medical officer for England said cases were not rising due to increased testing, and were a 'real phenomenon'. He reassured decisive action could bring cases down. It comes as the government bars people meeting in groups above six, set to come into force next Monday. Boris Johnson said the measures are essential to 'keep our economy going and schools open'