As families across the UK continue to say indoors and play their role in fighting coronavirus, the country took to the streets, through windows and balconies, to clap and show appreciation for our frontline services at 8pm last night. This is just one of this morning's key points in the constantly-evolving coronavirus pandemic.

  • People across the nation have been outside for a minute's applause to say a big thank you to healthcare workers and the NHS. See our coverage of #ClapForOurCarers here.
  • The jump in coronavirus-related deaths in England from 414 to 521 is an increase of 107 - a much bigger than the rise reported yesterday, which was just 28. There has, however, been a change in the way NHS England and the Department of Health are reporting deaths. Wednesday's figures were not for a full 24-hour period. They covered only the eight hours from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday March 24.
  • The 107 further people in England who died after testing positive for Covid-19, bringing the total to 521, were aged between 32 and 102, the NHS said. All but two patients, who were aged between 71 and 86, had underlying health conditions, and their families have been informed.
  • Treasury officials expect up to 3.8 million self-employed people to be eligible for help under the Chancellor's new measures, which entitles self-employed people to 80 per cent of their average wages of up to £2,500 a month, as per employed people on furlough, costing £3 billion per month. It takes the anticipated cost to £9 billion over the three-month period that the scheme will initially run for. Funds may however now be available until June, leaving self-employed people in limbo.
  • NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said 660,680 people have now signed up to volunteer to help the vulnerable get through the coronavirus crisis. He said: "The response we are seeing from the public to join us in our country's greatest time of need is extraordinary, and on behalf of everyone working in the NHS, I would like to thank each and every person who has signed up to volunteer - you will be, without a shadow of a doubt, helping us to save lives.