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Coronavirus briefing: UK shutdown tactics under scrutiny and global latest

It's more than a week since unprecedented curbs were imposed on everyday freedoms in the UK, and the country's chief scientific adviser has said there are early signs the measures are making a difference. Deaths rose to 1,408 on Monday, but Sir Patrick Vallance said the number of additional patients being seen by the NHS each day was "stable" - potentially a positive indication.

However, enforcing social distancing measures is proving controversial and some police forces have received criticism for the steps they've taken, especially around people taking what are deemed to be unnecessary journeys. Police have been issued with guidance telling them to take a "consistent" approach and emphasising the importance of professionalism. One of Britain's most senior officers has told the Daily Telegraph the police must preserve "the trust and confidence of the public". Here's a reminder of the rules we're all meant to be following.

In other news, the government has launched what it calls an "unprecedented" operation to repatriate tens of thousands of Britons stranded abroad by the pandemic. Read our advice on what to do if that's you or one of your loved ones.

Families with children eligible for free school meals in England will also be able to claim weekly shopping vouchers while classrooms are out of bounds. That's on top of the food parcels the government is providing to the most vulnerable. Find out more about efforts to keep the nation fed.

Worldwide latest
Italy is the world's hardest-hit country in terms of number of deaths. It has extended its extremely strict lockdown until Easter but there is some hope as the country reports a declining infection rate. Similar hopes are also being expressed in Spain. Elsewhere in Europe, Germany has reported a significant jump in cases, while Russia has also begun a lockdown of 12 million citizens in Moscow.

The US has the most reported cases of the pandemic, but President Trump has insisted the country will be in "very good shape" in terms of medical equipment by the time the outbreak peaks. New York is the worst hit place in America and the state's governor says the scale of deaths there is "staggering". Hear one nurse in New York describe her struggles on the virus front line, while these graphs show what could be in store for the US.

Source: BBC

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