Johnson's condition 'improving', can sit up

Chancellor Rishi Sunak says British Prime Minister's condition is improving in hospital, and that the leader can sit up in bed, after spending a second night in intensive care.

Sunak made the comments while lead the UK’s daily briefing:

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH FINANCE MINISTER, RISHI SUNAK, SAYING:

"He is receiving excellent care from the NHS team at St. Thomas'. The latest from the hospital is that the prime minister remains in intensive care where his condition is improving. I can also tell you that he has been sitting up in bed and engaging positively with the clinical team.”

The national picture was less positive for the last 24 hours, as the UK saw its largest daily rise in deaths - up by 938 - making the total death toll now over 7,000.

However, it’s been reported that patients in critical care has increased by just 4% in the last 24 hours.

There was also not much indication that the lockdown measure that have been in place throughout the UK for nearly three weeks would be lifted in the near future.

Away from the briefing, it emerged on Wednesday Britain is looking to get its money back after finding none of the trialed COVID-19 antibody tests worked reliably enough.

Health minister Matt Hancock last week that Britain wanted to buy 17.5 million antibody tests, subject to them working, but none have proven fit for purpose.