The UK is set to be in lockdown until well into May as deaths from Covid-19 rose by 881 in a single day.

So far 7,978 have died in the nation's hospitals from the virus with its expected peak still 10 days away.

In Kent deaths passed 100 and cases neared 1,000 while new diagnoses shot past 5,000 again after a recent lull.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak pledged £750 million for charities doing crucial work but which face financial dire straits as the economy is choked by lockdown rules.

Stricken Prime Minister Boris Johnson was said to be "making positive steps" in intensive care after his condition improved.

Follow our live blog for today's coronavirus updates:

8pm - Clap for carers

Thousands of Kent residents have once again taken to their doorsteps to applaud our emergency staff.

7.20pm - Boris Johnson is out of intensive care

The Prime Minister's three-day stay in intensive care has come to an end.

He is still in hospital and will be "closely monitored" but his condition has improved.

5.10pm - Dominic Raab: 'We are not done yet'

Dominic Raab says it is “too early” to lift lockdown measures this bank holiday weekend.

He said they will remain in place until scientific evidence proves it is safe to do so.

“We are not done yet - we must keep going,” he said.

5.08pm - Latest figures

The latest figures on the coronavirus pandemic have been revealed.

Out of the 243,421 people who have been tested, 65,077 have tested positive.

Sadly, 7,978 people have now died.

5.06pm - Update on PM's condition

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, leading today's daily coronavirus briefing, updated the nation on the prime minister's condition

"He is still in intensive care but continues to make positive steps and is in good spirits," he said.

2.34pm - NHS England stats revealed

The number of people to die from coronavirus in England has risen by 765, taking the total to 7,248.

10.49am - Cathedral bells to toll every night during crisis

Bells at Canterbury Cathedral are to toll every evening as a mark of remembrance to the victims of coronavirus.

In what will be the first time in its history, the 'Harry' bell will also be ringing in celebration of the heroism of frontline healthcare staff and other essential workers.

10.35am - Coronavirus memorial page

As the coronavirus death toll in Kent sadly passes 100, we have created a new page to make sure no one is ever forgotten.

If you have lost a loved one who had Covid-19 and would like them to be remembered on this page, please email news@thekmgroup.co.uk

10.10am - Another warning from police

A police chief has urged people to continue following lockdown measures over the long Easter weekend, as six fines were handed out over the past week to people who continued to flout the rules.

Chief constable Alan Pughsley said: "I'm very pleased with the figure in one way, it shows most of the public are complying with my officer's directions. Read more here.

9.14am - Easter fun at home

Just because we're staying home, doesn't mean we can't have a cracking Easter.

If you've got some bouncing bunnies cooped up at home, this long weekend is a time to have some easy and inexpensive fun. Here's some ideas to inspire you.

8.33am - Boots closures

Boots is to close 60 of its stores nationwide amid the coronavirus crisis.

The high street retailer has decided to temporarily shut the branches "that are very quiet at this time" - including the unit at Bluewater shopping centre. Read more here.

8am - More community spirit

The owners of a popular independent shop near Deal have knocked on 100 doors and said "have a meal on us" to elderly people.

Martin and Sylvia Sims of Sholden Village Stores have packaged up food parcels and delivered them to people aged over 70 living in their village.

Read more here.

7.31am - Fake news

Nearly half of all adults have seen false information online about Covid-19 in the last week.

Ofcom has urged social media companies to do more to remove fake news in their report.

7.16am - Airbnb's to block bookings

The company which allows people to post listings for their properties is set to block all bookings in Britain.

This comes after criticism of property owners promoting isolation retreats. We took a closer look at how this is working in Kent.

Ads on the site promised locations that were perfect for escaping the virus but it is now only available for key workers to rent during lockdown.

7am - 'Lockdown summit'

A cobra meeting will be chaired by foreign secretary Dominic Raab today for a 'lockdown summit'.

It will include political leaders and health experts and they are expected to discuss the lockdown, which is likely to continue until May.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not be at the meeting after spending another night in hospital. He is said to be sitting up in bed and interacting with doctors.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Kent