The UK's coronavirus lockdown measures will be extended for at least three more weeks, First Secretary of State Dominic Raab has announced.

First Secretary of State Dominic Raab has begun to deliver the UK government briefing on the coronavirus.

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There is a lot of talk in the UK about how the easing of lockdown measures could depend on getting a vaccine or treatment ready.

While we wait to hear from the government in its latest daily update,read the analysis from BBC health and science correspondent James Gallagher on how close we are.

Drivetime with John Beattie
BBC Radio Scotland

Adam Strachura from charity Age Scotland has been heartened by the response to calls to assist the vulnerable with shopping.

"The number of people who need help is huge but so is the number of people who want to help," he tells BBC Radio Scotland.

"If we to have another three weeks of this, it's not going to get any easier, so it's important people know they can reach out for help."

The Age Scotland helpline is 0800 12 44 222.

We should be hearing from the UK government in the next 30 minutes, but first let’s take a look at the latest from around the country:

• A total of 13,729 people in hospital with coronavirus have now died in the UK
• Another three weeks of lockdown measures are expected to be announced
• A scientific adviser to the governmentsays the UK must keep a "significant level" of social distancing until a vaccine for coronavirus is found
• But Labour continues to call fordetails of an exit strategyfor when the time comes
• Aproposal to set up a virtual Parliamenthas been agreed by Commons authorities
• The Office for National Statistics (ONS) saysmore than nine in 10 people dying with coronavirus have an underlying health condition
• War veteran Tom Moore, 99, has raisedmore than £13m for the NHSby doing a sponsored walk in his garden

Image source, SNS

Partick Thistle say they will not pursue legal action on the SPFL's resolution to end the lower-league seasons, despite believing they have the option to do so.

Thistle have been relegated from the Championship after Dundee's change to a 'yes' vote passed the Covid-19 response plans.

Ian McCall's side were two points adrift at the bottom of the second tier, but had a game in hand over Queen of the South in ninth.

"We can't be responsible for pushing even one club to the brink," they said.

"If we were to take this action to court, there is a risk that might stop the release of much-needed monies to those clubs on Friday. That's a step too far for us."

Read more.

Image source, Perth Picture Agency

Police across Scotland will be given surgical face masks to wear as they respond to incidents or deal with the public.

The move is designed to protect officers and staff where it is not possible to adhere to social distancing measures.

Police Scotland has secured initial stocks of type 2 fluid resistant surgical masks and is distributing them to front-line staff.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: "We are committed to doing everything we can to protect the public and limit the spread of the virus, and to protect our own people as they carry out their duties.

“We recognise that every day our officers and staff are putting themselves in harm's way and we want them to have the right protection to do their job.

"In line with scientific advice, these surgical masks will be available for use as a precaution for officers and staff dealing with incidents where social distancing measures are not possible."

Yesterday BBC Wales weather presenter Owain Wyn Evans stunned viewers with an epic drum solo to the BBC News theme tune.

Scottish weather presenter Joy Dunlop decided to add a bit of movement.

The number of coronavirus hospital deaths in the UK has risen by 861, bringing the total number to 13,729, according to figures from the Department of Health and Soical Care.

It said that, as of 0900 on Thursday, 327,608 people have been tested, of whom 103,093 tested positive.

Overall, 417,649 tests have been carried out, with 18,665 on Wednesday, excluding data from Northern Ireland.

Image source, Getty Images

Urban birdsong, empty streets and ominous public announcements are among the sounds of the coronavirus pandemic being recorded across the world for a project at Aberdeen University.

Prof Pete Stollery, a specialist in sound mapping, is seeking the help of the public to preserve the environmental changes to the world as a result of lockdown measures.

More than 100 audio clips from across the globe have already been posted to an online Google Earth map and the researcher wants more.

Image source, Getty Images

World Rugby has announced an £80m fund for the game along with details of a Covid-19 crisis relief strategy.

The governing body say the funds, which involve a combination of advances and loans, are to "assist unions through to the resumption of the sport".

They are also discussing a "variety of return-to-rugby plans", including the delivery of a "viable 2020 international competition calendar".

Scotland's summer tour to South Africa and New Zealand is facing cancellation, while on Monday it was revealed that Scottish Rugby is asking every player earning more than £50,000 to take a salary cut of 10-25% until September.

Image source, Undiscovered Scotland

Margaret Payne, 90, hopes to raise £10,000 for the NHS and a hospice by climbing the equivalent of a Sutherland mountain on her staircase.

She plans to reach the height of Suilven - 2,398ft - by making 282 trips upstairs.

She started the challenge on Easter Sunday and expects it will take her about two months to complete.

She said 99-year-old veteran Captain Tom Moore, who has raised more than £13m for the NHS through a charity garden walk, inspired her.

Mrs Payne, who lives in Ardvar, said: "My husband died at Christmas, and the NHS were absolutely wonderful. So it was a way of saying thank you."

Andrew Picken
BBC Scotland News

Image source, Getty Images

More families are turning to video messenger apps for funerals in the face of strict limits on who can currently attend services.

A spokesman for the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors in Scotland said the sector is “coping well and adapting to the circumstances” since the outbreak.

He said many families are holding smaller services for loved ones with a view to holding memorials for them once the restrictions are lifted.

Image source, Getty Images

Scottish Care has said it is seeing improvements in the provision of personal protective equipment for staff.

Ministers have been under pressure to address the concerns of workers across the country.

And the body, which represents Scotland's largest group of social care providers, expects a "significant change" in the coming days.

A spokeswoman said: "We are already seeing some change to the NHS triage system, a call centre which providers can call to receive PPE allocation and local hub distribution centres.

"We would like to commend the staff working tirelessly in this triage system, as well as local communities who are offering supplies such as goggles and visors to the care sector.

"We hope that within the next few days there will be a significant change to the levels of PPE available to care homes and the care at home sector."

1. NHS Inform, external

The latest from NHS Scotland and the Scottish government, including social distancing and stay at home advice.

2. Ready Scotland, external

Staying at home does not mean you are alone - there are many ways you can help your community.

3. Citizens Advice Scotland, external

Providing advice on benefits and employment rights.

4. Business Support, external

The latest advice and support for businesses.

5. Parent Club, external

Useful information on how to cope with home schooling and keeping your family safe.

A Dundee care home said it was "devastated" at the death of a staff member from suspected Covid-19.

The Pitkerro Care Centre worker died at the weekend after receiving care in hospital after developing symptoms of the virus.

The centre confirmed on 7 April that five residents and seven staff members had tested positive for the virus, but were only displaying mild symptoms.

The staff member was described as "wonderfully compassionate, extremely hard-working, and much-loved."