Coronavirus Daily Update: More ventilators on the way

National & International:

More ventilators are on their way to the UK - that's the latest update from the UK government briefings.

Michael Gove says that before the pandemic, the NHS possessed just over 8,000 ventilators - they are now buying in more from other countries.

The UK has also scaled up its' domestic manufacturing of the apparatus - which was at a small level beforehand.

The first of 'thousands' of machines is expected to come off the production line this weekend.

Gove also confirmed 10,000 CPAP machines are being developed for patients.

This type of device is usually used to treat sleep apnea - it delivers constant and steady air pressure via a mask to the user.

We've also been getting an update as to the level of confirmed cases and deaths in the UK.

The UK as a whole have 25,150 confirmed cases - including current and closed cases. There have been 1,789 deaths in the country due to Covid-19.

In Scotland there have been 1,993 confirmed cases and 60 deaths.

Spain has recorded the highest number of fatalities in a single day with 849, with Italy hitting 837.

In the North East:

The Grampian region now has 86 confirmed cases of the virus.

North East MSP Kevin Stewart has made a plea to the Royal Mail to cease sending out 'junk mail' during the pandemic.

Something a bit more positive:

We've updated our Twitter thread, which is full of examples of community spirit and generosity despite the doom and gloom.