Health secretary Matt Hancock has revealed the UK is now testing 10,000 people per day for coronavirus.

There has been considerable criticism of the Government over the lack of tests being conducted in Britain compared to other European countries such as Germany.

But Hancock has now revealed the UK are ahead of schedule in their plans to test people as quickly as possible.

On Twitter, he said: "Good news that we’ve reached 10,000 #coronavirus tests a day - ahead of schedule. We’re on track to 25,000. #StayHomeSaveLives."

The Health Secretary also released a letter to social care workers in which he thanked them but warned of 'more difficult times ahead'.

"My main message to you is simple: thank you," he said.

"Thank you for going the extra mile to make sure the people who rely on you are supported. Thank you in advance for the difficult decisions you will have to make that will keep as many people as possible safe. 

"Thank you for taking on extra shifts to cover for those who need to isolate or have their own caring responsibilities. Thank you for doing the right thing by isolating if you or somebody you live with has symptoms. Thank you for everything you are doing this week, next week and in the months to come.

"We face more difficult times ahead and I know you will have been personally impacted by the measures we have had to take to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Whilst many people are now staying at home, I know that is not an option for most of you as your work, caring for others, cannot be done from home."

He also pledged to make parking on council owned on-street car parking spacing and car parks free for those working in social care in order to make their 'lives easier during this period'.

A total of 1,019 people have died from COVID-19 in the UK, while more than 17,000 have tested positive.