UK coronavirus peak to come sooner than expected, says Health Secretary

“It is very sensitive to how many people follow the social distancing guidelines,” he said.

There have been 34,173 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK, and 2,926 people with confirmed infection have died until now.

“It is very sensitive to how many people follow the social distancing guidelines,” he said.

163,194 people in the UK had so far been tested for the virus, of which 34,173 were confirmed positive.

Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales today opened the new NHS Nightingale Hospital London via video link from his home in Scotland.

East London's ExCeL exhibition center has been converted into the temporary NHS Nightingale hospital, with space for 4,000 beds.

NHS Nightingale Hospital London will support patients with coronavirus in the capital.

“Today’s opening of NHS Nightingale Hospital London is the best of our national effort coming together. Hugely proud that up to 4,000 beds - the equivalent of 10 district general hospitals - have been made available in just 9 days,” Hancock tweeted on Friday. (ILKHA)