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Coronavirus in UK live blog: Boris Johnson says UK are past the peak of the virus

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Coronavirus live blog, April 29

Boris Johnson shares letter to Captain Tom Moore

60 more deaths in Scotland

Government "working hard" to meet 100,000 tests a day target

Downing Street has insisted the Government is "working hard" to hit its target of testing 100,000 for coronavirus by the end of the day.

The PM's spokesman said that as of April 28, testing capacity had been increased to 77,365 and told a Westminster briefing: "The target is for 100,000 tests today and the Health Secretary and all of his team are working hard to hit it."

He added: "You can chart the progress that we've made towards hitting that target and that we are working hard today to ensure that people who need tests get them."

Earlier on Thursday, Justice Secretary Robert Buckland acknowledged the 100,000 target may not be met.

The PM's spokesman said 42 drive-through test sites are now open and 17 mobile sites are operational.

Time for Captain Tom Moore to rest

Captain Tom Moore needs a rest after uniting people across society and across nationalities, his proud daughter has said.

As her father's fundraising hit £30 million, Hannah Ingram-Moore said that for the family the last few weeks will be "embedded in our hearts forever".

She said the 100-year-old has "touched the hearts of many people around the world" and brought hope at a difficult time.

"We've said, 'look, take a little rest now'. But I think we know that he has touched the hearts of many people around the world.

"He's definitely engaged us all and given us hope and unity.

"So, there will be legacy. We, as a family, have come a long way in these last few weeks, and we are working hard to look at what is the future, what's the future legacy, but he needs to have a little rest now."

Jeremy Corbyn takes aim at Donald Trump

WHO: evidence that Europe is passing the peak

Dr Hans Kluge, World Health Organisation regional director for Europe, said there were positive signs the continent was passing the peak of the virus.

He told a virtual press briefing: "We're now seeing evidence of a plateau or reduction in new cases.

"We must monitor this development very closely."

But he added: "Covid-19 is not going away any time soon."

NHS signs daubed with swastikas

Police have revealed how they were "horrified" to find swastikas sprayed on signs urging people to stay at home and protect the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak.

A number of yellow "car park closed" signs along the coast between Seaton Sluice and Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, were attacked overnight by vandals.

At least five locations over two miles were attacked, including a sign saying "Car park closed, stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives".

Council teams were sent out to clean off the swastikas.

Nicola Sturgeon "right" to warn that measures likely won't be eased on May 7

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has said Nicola Sturgeon was "right to be cautious" in her warning that measures are unlikely to be eased on the next review date of 7 May.

“I think the common thread between the Governments is one of extreme caution following the evidence of the Sage committee,” he said, "making sure that we don't do anything in a premature way that could risk a second spike.

"That would be a disaster."

Captain Tom's donations page to close at midnight on 100th birthday

The donations page for Captain Tom Moore's fundraising efforts will close at midnight this evening, as he celebrates his 100th birthday.

Moore confirmed the news in a message to supporters, but added: “NHS Charities Together still have their urgent appeal, so people can donate to them that way.”

"Reaching 100 is quite something. Reaching 100 with such interest in me and huge generosity from the public is very overwhelming.

"I am going to spend my birthday with my family, both here in person and with my daughter remotely, and then I am going to have a few days' rest. My legs may be tired, but my mind is racing and I'm hoping to be back very soon with other ways in which I can help people, help others.

"Please always remember, 'Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day'. With my sincerest gratitude, Captain Tom Moore."

Antiviral drug 'cutting recovery times for coronavirus patients'

An antiviral drug previously used to treat ebola has shown "very encouraging results" in the fight against coronavirus.

Abdel Babiker, professor of epidemiology and medical statistics at UCL, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that there are  “very encouraging” results from the first large-scale randomised trial to report on any treatment of Covid-19."

He said the group of hospitalised adults with advanced coronavirus who received Remdesivir recovered "much faster" than the group that received a placebo.

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