Dominic Raab is asked whether he has the authority to make a "significant change" in direction to the UK's strategy.

The foreign secretary replies that PM Boris Johnson has asked him to deputise "as long as is necessary".

He adds, though, that the principle of cabinet responsibility still applies.

In response to a question about Germany, Prof Chris Whitty says the UK is "trying to learn the lessons" from the country's mass-testing regime.

BBC Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg says if there is a disagreement in cabinet, who will make the decision?

Dominic Raab says decisions are made by "collective cabinet responsibility", ie the same as before the PM went into hospital.

He says they have a "clear direction" from the PM, and the cabinet is "focused with total unity and resolve" so when he is back in the role, the government will have "made the progress he would expect and the country would expect".

Laura Kuenssberg also asks Sir Patrick Vallance if there will be enough critical care beds during the outbreak.

He says he "cannot guarantee" there will be enough, but the "tracking" is looking right and the NHS has done an "amazing job" in creating more capacity.

Image source, Downing Street

Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK's chief scientific adviser, says the use of public transport and cars has been falling "dramatically".

He says the "substantial" reduction in social contact should see a "substantial" reduction in new cases.

The UK, he adds, has not seen a "big upswing in growth", adding that things seem to be "moving in the right direction".

However, he cautions that it will be important to stick to the social distancing advice before a more definitive trend emerges.

He says the number of new UK deaths should fall around two weeks after the number of people in intensive care starts to fall.

Dominic Raab starts the daily UK government briefing with an update on the prime minister's health.

The foreign secretary says Boris Johnson is "receiving the very best care from the excellent medical team" and remained stable overnight.

He also says he remains in "good spirits" and his progress continues to be monitored closely.

Mr Raab says there has "been a groundswell of messages of support" and everyone is wishing the prime minister a very speedy recovery.

He adds: "It comes as a shock to all of us. He is not just a prime minister, not just our boss, but also a colleague and also our friend."

And he says the cabinet will not "blink or flinch from the task at hand".

He confirms the total number of deaths in the UK has now reached 6,159, and pays tribute to those who have died.

Image source, Andrew Leaver/ICL Tech

A Scottish plastics manufacturing company has ramped up production of visors for NHS staff working on the frontline against the coronavirus pandemic.

The move by Glasgow-based ICL Tech comes after a major order from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

ICL switched its production facilities recently after winning an order to make visors for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

It has now secured a contract for 90,000 visors from Glasgow's health body.

The company, which normally provides plastics for the transport, oil and gas and financial sectors, said it had diversified its operations to accommodate NHS needs.

It has ramped up production in the past week from 750 visors a day to 3,000.

Connor Gillies
BBC Scotland reporter

Ricky, from Springboig in the east of Glasgow, has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes.

His compromised immune system means he has been self-isolating and is struggling to get the daily essentials.

He phoned the FARE (Family Action Rogerfield and Easterhouse) team and asked for a delivery of food.

When he received the parcel, he told BBC Scotland: “I am stranded in the house. This is the third week and it’s a nightmare.

“It means a hell of a lot to me (to get this food). It is great what these guys are doing.”

Image source, SNS

St Mirren are the latest Scottish Premiership club to announce that they will make immediate use of the UK government’s job retention scheme.

The Paisley outfit say all players and non-playing staff, with the exception of a core group required for the continued running of the club, will be furloughed and that they are committed to making up any difference in pay.

St Mirren are also planning to put season tickets for the next campaign up for sale from next Monday.

"We don't want our people to worry about their income at a time of many other family concerns," read a club statement.

Read more.

Ken Banks
BBC Scotland North East and Northern Isles reporter

Aberdeen's Robert Gordon University is working to help "upskill" some NHS Grampian staff so they can be redeployed.

The project is looking at roles - which vary from dentistry to occupational health - which could move into different areas to help in the fight against coronavirus.

The training began last week and aims to have "turned round" 180 upskilled staff by the end of this week.

RGU said it focuses on "fundamental nursing care as well as the surveillance and care of the acutely unwell".

Ineos says it took the decision following calls from customers to delay the shutdown.

The company will announce the new date for maintenance later.

Image source, Getty Images

The Queen has paid tribute to healthcare professionals fighting the coronavirus pandemic in a new statement to mark World Health Day.

The monarch, who gave a rare TV address on Sunday, praised workers' dedication and thanked them for their "selfless commitment".

The message, addressed to healthcare professionals across the Commonwealth and around the world, said: “On the occasion of World Health Day, I want to thank all those in the healthcare profession for your selfless commitment and diligence as you undertake vitally important roles to protect and improve the health and well-being of people across the Commonwealth, and across the world.

“In testing times, we often observe that the best of the human spirit comes to the fore; the dedication to service of countless nurses, midwives and other health workers, in these most challenging of circumstances, is an example to us all.

“My family and I send our enduring appreciation and good wishes.”

Connor Gillies
BBC Scotland reporter

The gym hall at St Mungo’s Academy in Glasgow’s east end is being used by an army of volunteers who are bagging emergency food parcels with the aim of feeding thousands of vulnerable families.

The massive operation is being run by the charity Family Action in Rogerfield and Easterhouse (FARE).

A large supermarket chain donates masses of fresh produce and tins of food daily. The volunteers then create emergency food hampers containing enough supplies to feed a family of four for two days.

More than 60,000 meals have been delivered to the homes of about 2,000 people – including the elderly and those self-isolating.

Organiser Jimmy Wilson told BBC Scotland they are helping families who have nothing and those who have lost their jobs during this crisis.

Image source, Getty Images

A new report from the World Health Organization says that nurses are best placed to lead the fight against Covid-19.

Calling for urgent fresh investment, the WHO said nurses were the backbone of any health system, making up more than half of the world's health workers.

But the findings reveal a global shortfall of almost six million staff, with Africa, South East Asia and the eastern Mediterranean the areas most in need of new recruits.

The report estimates that countries experiencing shortages need to increase nursing graduates by on average 8% per year.

The WHO statement adds: "Around the world they are demonstrating their compassion, bravery and courage as they respond to the Covid-19 pandemic: never before has their value been more clearly demonstrated."

Angie Brown
Edinburgh and East reporter

Bonfires have been banned at allotments across Edinburgh during the coronavirus lockdown in a bid to keep the air clear for people who are self-isolating.

All 1,724 plot holders at 30 sites in the capital have been told to compost rather than burn vegetation during this period.

Stuart McKenzie, president of the Federation of Edinburgh and District Allotments and Gardens Association told BBC Scotland: “I have put this in place because during the current lockdown people are isolating in their homes. They rely on fresh air from windows as they are unable to leave.

“We must help them by not creating any pollution that could make their condition worse.

“Build a compost heap instead and put all those nutrients back into the soil.”

David Henderson
BBC Scotland

Image source, Getty Images

The first minister made it clear there’s no chance of the lockdown easing by Easter. And if anything, we’re left wondering if they’ll be lifted entirely by next Easter.

“We’re in it for the long haul” she said. How long, she wouldn’t say. But she made clear that once the pandemic peak has passed, we won’t see a quick return to life as usual."

And as we come out of lockdown, she said, it may not be all at once. We may see what she calls “a phased approach”.

It’s the first time she’s said this, but what does she mean? Will schools reopen sooner than pubs and restaurants? Will younger people be able to get back to work, while older people still self-isolate?

She said decisions would be based on “the best possible advice”. Will that advice be from doctors, who may want to play a long, cautious game, to save lives? Or will it be from those desperate to save their business, or earn a living?

We will find out once the peak of this pandemic passes – whenever that may be.

The First Minister has sent her best wishes to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his family.

Lisa Summers
BBC Scotland Health Correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Can we protect our frontline workers?

The supply of personal protective equipment has become a key test for the government.

There are real problems. Scotland is just one part of a global supply chain in items such as masks, visors, gowns, aprons, and gloves. Countries all round the world are looking to equip healthcare workers at the same time.

Then there is the guidance for what should be used. That changed last week, adding requirements for eye protection in some circumstances, leading to concerns that staff had previously been using less than they should.

Demand for equipment is also crucial. This is going to surge and we are still not at the peak of infections. Hospital supply through 14 health boards has been an easier task than dealing with 32 local authorities and private care providers.

Talking to health and care workers there seems to be a ripple effect. Last week I was speaking to medics concerned about hospital and ambulance supply, this week it seems to have moved on to home care workers and the police.

The Scottish government says all decisions are governed by the science but the stakes are high.

So much depends on whether our frontline staff can be kept fit and working to deal with the coming peak in the next few weeks.