this is bbc news with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. the number of coronavirus patients who've died in hospital in the uk rises to almost 15,500. it comes as the government accepts that some personal protective equipment is in short supply and say they're doing everything they can to bring in more. we've got to do more to get the ppe that people need to the front line. this is an extremely challenging situation. an extra 1.6 billion pounds for councils across england so they can protect essential services during the pandemic — there's also extra cash for scotland wales and northern ireland. doctors injapan are warning

the country's medical system could collapse amid a rising number of coronavirus cases. as coronavirus cases in moscow rise, ambulances queue for more than nine hours to drop patients at hospital. and our latest nhs video diary, showing life as a nurse inside a busy hospital treating coronavirus patients. hello and welcome to audiences in the uk and around the world. we're covering all the latest coronavirus developments, both here and globally. the uk government says it accepts that some personal protective equipment is in short supply. speaking at a press conference this afternoon the communities secretary, robertjenrick, said more must be done to get ppe to front line nhs workers.

well, the latest official figures for the uk show there were 888 deaths reported in hospitals in the last 24—hour period. it brings the total number of people who have died in the uk to 15,464. that number doesn't include deaths in care homes or in the community in england and northern ireland. the communities secretary robertjenrick said, what he called, a very large consignment of personal protective equipment, or ppe, is due to arrive in the uk tomorrow from turkey. it comes after criticism from doctors unions over new advice that some gowns could be re—used. mrjenrick also said local councils in england will be given extra funding of £1.6 billion , to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. there will be extra funds for the other uk nations through the barnett consequentials. elsewhere, doctors injapan have warned that the country's medical system could collapse amid a wave of new coronavirus cases. and in spain, deaths from covid—19

have exceeded 20,000, making it the third country after the united states and italy to surpass the figure. here's our health correspondent dominic hughes. john coker, a detective constable for british transport police who leaves a wife and three children. retired paediatrician judith darmady, founder of a children's charity, awarded an 0be, who dedicated her life to the care of others. two of more than 15,000 deaths caused by covid—i9. it is hitting families across the country, but the really sad thing for people is when someone dies, they are dying alone. it is a bad way to go. they are feeling alone, probably scared, and theirfamily are not able to console them, not able to know how it happens. and, as someone said, after all of this is over, there are

going to be many stories required to be told by nhs staff who were the last people with loved ones as they died. more lives are being saved than lost, but medical staff are worried they are being put at risk because of a continuing shortage of personal protective equipment, ppe, especially gowns worn when treating the sickest patients. as hospitals face the possibility of running out of some kit, public health england changed its guidance. some gowns could be reserved for the most high—risk procedures, or staff could reuse washable clothing. and today, a promise that fresh supplies are on the way. 84 tonnes of equipment, including 400,000 gowns. we are trying to do everything we can to get the equipment that we need. we are trying to source more internationally. that is difficult at times. there is a great deal of demand for it. and the security of that supply can provce challenging. but we are making progress bar.

but medical workers are anxious about where this leaves them. a&e doctor nick works directly with covid—i9 patients. back on shift tomorrow, he does not know how much ppe will be available. there are apprehensions about, you know, what might there be, what might there not be, or how much has deteriorated and changed. and especially when we see the news reports now saying that stocks may be close to zero, nationally, it is really worrying, especially being on the front line. we have to do what we do, and it comes with the job. it would just be good if, you know, we were adequately protected. the new guidance is in line with world health organization advice, and hospital managers are facing a global shortage of ppe. we have to really focus on what we can do because there is a shortage of gowns. in that situation, following world health organization guidelines has to be the way that we go.

they are saying that if other stocks are not available, this is the way to go and this is safe to use. the new guidance only applies when ppe stocks are running low. the picture across the uk is mixed. but the patience of health—care workers is also in short supply. dominic hughes, bbc news. with me now is our news correspondent kathryn stancheshen. he was very keen about this announcement about gowns. even so, saying that you are going to have to stop washing some of these gowns and reusing them, rather than disposing of them. it sounded like quite a lot, 84 tonnes worth from turkey. how long will it last? it has not

just been the last 24—hour is. they have been facing increasing scrutiny for the last weeks now about the ongoing problems of personal protective equipment, how to get it out there quickly, and is there enough? there has been a lot of concern today from the people representing health care workers about this advice of reusing gowns and certain pieces of equipment. they say it is a compromise to fire and puts people at risk. robert jenrick today says nobody wants to go into work and be frighted wondering what they will have the next day. we have got to do more. that is where this 84 tonnes of equipment will be coming in from turkey tomorrow. it is 400,000 gowns. that, by most estimates, will only last about three or four days. we are not talking about... when you think about the amount being used at

the moment. he was asked in the press briefing whether we do have too much reliance on supply chains from china. he did not really answer that specifically but he did say we are working now and putting a lot of effort into working with british manufacturers to try and get supply lines. but for many, that will not bea lines. but for many, that will not be a good enough answer tonight. they put a lot of hope in these suppliers from the far east. the phrase they used has been that they have arrived in drips and straps. phrase they used has been that they have arrived in drips and strapsm isa similar have arrived in drips and strapsm is a similar picture for councils as well. we are talking about health ca re well. we are talking about health care workers. there are a huge amount of other people, social workers, funeral directors, who need that ppe. councils find it difficult to know what they are getting when.

talking about councils, in regards to parks, cemeteries, etc, robert jenrick wanted to focus on them specifically. he says that all parks must remain open. we have been hearing reports from across the country that, particularly after the bank holiday weekend, some parks and local authorities were having to close parts because they felt that people were not observing social distancing rules and it was too difficult to try and place that. instead, they were locking the gates. robertjenrick instead, they were locking the gates. robert jenrick has instead, they were locking the gates. robertjenrick has said that must not happen. he said he realises the difficulties for people who do not have anywhere else to go and get fresh airand not have anywhere else to go and get fresh air and open space. in terms of cemeteries, it is an interesting one because there does seem to be disparity between areas in how many people are being allowed at funerals. that guidance is still being firmed up by the government to some extent. robertjenrick said

cemeteries must remain open. councils say they are having trouble with that. some are saying they have to close them because they cannot police people gathering there. robertjenrick made it very clear that this is essential, that people have the opportunity to say a respectful goodbye to their loved ones. he talked about the case of the 13 row two died and his family we re the 13 row two died and his family were not allowed —— 13—year—old. the 13 row two died and his family were not allowed ——13—year—old. he talked about that case and he pointed to it and he said... make private visits to go and more on people. that might cause problems for councils and how they police that. we will be hearing from the local government association in a few moments. for now, thank you. doctors injapan are warning that the country's medical system could collapse because of a new wave of coronavirus cases.

japan initially appeared to have the virus under control but there has been a recent surge and there are now more than 10,000 confirmed cases. reged ahmad reports. a much quieter tokyo in the wake of the state of emergency declared by the government. japan had its first recorded covid—19 infection in january, and, since then, the government has been criticised for not giving enough to prepare for an increase. now, to medical associations say the outbreak is reducing japan's ability to treat other serious medical emergencies, even strokes. it is understood one patient with a fever was turned away by 80 medicalfacilities before he was accepted by a tokyo hospital. like many countries, doctors are complaining of a lack of protective equipment as well. critics have taken aim at the prime minister, saying he has delayed restrictions in favour of the economy. shinzo abe says he is trying to effectively reduce people to people contact.

people out on weekdays in city areas like shibuya in tokyo has been reduced by 60%. in umeda in osaka, it's been reduced by about 70%. but we have not yet reached our target level. japan is facing a new wave of infections, and with it, a push to increase relatively low testing levels. it now remains to be seen if the country has done enough quickly enough to protect its medical system and head off a major outbreak. councils across england will receive another £1.6 billion in additional funding from the government as they continue to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. the announcement from the local government secretary came after council leaders warned they may have to consider "extreme" measures to cut costs. this report from our political

correspondent, nick eardley. closed. like many parts of the country, council facilities have been shutdown. this starves local authorities of cash. just as they face extra measures to pay for things like social care and support vulnerable communities through the crisis. this afternoon, the government said it would make extra money available for councils in england. today, i am providing an additional £1.6 billion of new funding to support councils. we are backing councils to ensure vital services, such as adult social care, children's services, support for the most vulnerable and waste collection continue despite the increased pressures . continue despite the increased pressures. there will be extra cash to spend in scotland, wales and northern ireland as well. money is being spent quickly. council leaders

say a being spent quickly. council leaders saya similaramount being spent quickly. council leaders say a similar amount announced last month is already gone. everyone will have spent the first bit of cash in one or two months. i don't think anyone thinks that crisis is only going to last that amount of time. councils will start going bankrupt or will have to start heavily rationing services. this is a reminder of the massive economic impact the shutdown is having both on individuals and communities. the bill the government is facing is mounting. with huge amounts of money already promised with businesses, and to try and keep people injobs. with the extra pressures on local authorities, interferes some people won't be able to pay their council tax, compounding the problem. the streets being cleaned this afternoon may be quieter, but important local services continue. in one way or another, they have to be paid for.

well we can speak now to lga chairman cllrjames jamieson. this must be welcome news given that it was something you were pressing for. we are very pleased with this announcement, both the 1.6 billion and the announcement to continue looking at funding requirements of local government to ensure we can do all the things we are doing to support residents. as my colleagues said earlier, we have incurred much higher costs, whether that is in social care or protecting the vulnerable, and so on. and also the issue of loss of income is, corporate revenue is a classic example. the protective equipment obviously very much impacts the people who provide care, whether it is to adults or elderly people. what has been the experience for local councils in england? it is very

important that we get protective equipment for our staff, whether they are in care homes or whether they are in care homes or whether they are in care homes or whether they are with the public in other arenas. clearly, ppe is an issue and there is a certain amount of hand to mouth. we arejust there is a certain amount of hand to mouth. we are just about helping that it mouth. we are just about helping thatitis mouth. we are just about helping that it is essential that we get more supplies in as quickly as possible. i would also say that we very much welcome the news that we are now testing care workers and, again, ramping that up will be very helpful. can i ask you, because you area helpful. can i ask you, because you are a conservative councillor in bedfordshire, and i know you are speaking for the lga, the secretary said it is very key for councils to keep parks and cemeteries open. what has been your experience for dealing with that? speaking as a local council leader in central bedfordshire, we have managed to keep our parks and cemeteries open.

the critical thing here is the public respecting the issue of social distancing. i know my collea g u es social distancing. i know my colleagues in london did have a number of issues. a few weeks ago, we had a very sunny weekend and we had a number of issues with people sunbathing and so forth. that meant depriving others with the opportunity to use parks. this easter weekend, virtually all those parks be opened and the respected the fact that this is to be enjoyed by all. that is the critical thing, respect social distancing, do not abuse it by sunbathing, having a picnic and depriving others of the opportunity to use that park. on the question of cemeteries, which is a very delicate one, our correspondent was talking about the difficulty that some councillors have with policing this. when someone is in front of a gravestone, you do not wa nt to front of a gravestone, you do not want to go up to that and say, do you mind standing away from your

relative perspective it is clearly not appropriate. particularly those who are burying people over the course of this, they may not have a headstone that they might have a plot marked. they might not even be —— able to go to the funeral? plot marked. they might not even be -- able to go to the funeral? we cannot police the park or every cemetery. we are very reliant on the public taking a sensible approach. we very much want to give the opportunity to those two wish farewell to their loved ones. that is very important in this critical time. white back from the local government association, thank you very much. the number of people who've died from coronavirus in spain has now risen past twenty thousand. in terms of deaths, spain has the world's fourth highest total of covid—19 fatalities, and has confirmed infections injust over nought point four percent of its population.

the governor of new york, one of the states worst affected by covid—19 in the us, has said that the number of patients being treated for the virus there is continuing to fall. andrew cuomo says there are now almost 350 fewer people in hospital compared to a day earlier. but he stressed that the trend did not mean ‘happy days' were back. 0rthodox christians have been celebrating easter in the middle east, transporting the holy fire from the church of the holy sepulchre in jerusalem to bethlehem. the ceremony, which is considered as a miracle in the religion, took place despite the lockdown, which prevented any crowds from gathering to watch. experts and politicians across the uk have been raising concerns of another impact the coronavirus will have — this time on child poverty. many, including the uk's former prime minister gordon brown, have said the coronavirus, which will have heavy implications on the global economy, will increase child poverty rates here in the uk. with prices rising and jobs being lost, school vouchers for school meals, for example,

aren't stretching as far. to get more on this, i'm joined now by lisa harker, who's the director of the nuffield family justice 0bservatory. shejoins us now she joins us now from shejoins us now from oxford. thank you very much for talking to us. what is the specific concern because what additional pressures are there? we have child poverty, that is a fa ct. we have child poverty, that is a fact. but what additional pressure is the pandemic having on that crisp we have got to remember that we came into this crisis with child poverty rates in this country at a 20 year high. we have seen a really sharp rise in child poverty in the last ten yea rs rise in child poverty in the last ten years in particular. that has been due to particular cuts in benefits to families who are out of work or on low wages. many of these children who are living in families where there is a job, but doing the kind of work which we now see in the crisis to be essential, notjust

those working in our hospitals, but the cleaners to clean the wards, the people who empty our bins, home care workers who are caring for the elderly and so on. these kind of jobs are traditionally paid low wages and many families in those kinds of lines of work struggled to keep their children out of poverty. as we go forward, and we do not know what the future will hold following this crisis, be very damaging impact on the economy and the estimated rise in unemployment will have a voice significant impact on child poverty unless we take stock and think about how we might address the issue. you were an adviser to the then labour government when it was working on child poverty. centres that were particularly aimed

at families on lower income backgrounds. trying to give extra support to children. one of the consequences of austerity was that a lot of funding was reduced. some of the kind of things that we had and had perhaps taken for granted suddenly disappeared. 0ther had perhaps taken for granted suddenly disappeared. other measures we re suddenly disappeared. other measures were used. tax credits, which did survive. why do you think that hasn't necessarily maintained, in your review, the kind of level that we had reached, why there had been slippage, do you think? given that the mechanisms for targeting families were maintained? you're absolutely right that child poverty rates fell in the late 90s and up to about 2005 in this country at a remarkable face. we were the envy of the world at that stage. since then, many of the mechanisms have stayed in place, but they have not kept pace with rising income. a huge amount of money has been taken out of the tax credit and benefit system

following the financial crisis. that was because of austerity measures. that was a political choice, a decision that was made about where savings needed to be made. but we can make other choices. 0ne savings needed to be made. but we can make other choices. one of the interesting things about this crisis is the extent to which it has shown how much we depend on one another and the solidarity and be very british sense of fairness that has been very apparent in the last few weeks. we do have the option and we do have the choice to imagine the kind of society and economy that we wa nt kind of society and economy that we want coming out of this crisis. we could start to address the underlying pressures that have led to child poverty in the first place. i to child poverty in the first place. , lisa from the familyjustice service, joining us from oxford. thank you very much. vladimir putin has

warned russians that covid—19 continues to pose a high risk to his country. russia has seen its biggest daily increase in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases, up nearly 5,000 from yesterday. 0ur moscow correspondent steve rosenberg has this report. rarely has moscow felt so calm. bells chime. so quiet. so empty. in lockdown, a city of 12 million people so peaceful. but not everywhere. 0n the edge of moscow, ambulances queue outside a hospital that's treating covid—19. the crews had to wait more than nine hours to bring in their patients. just look at this line. it's a sign of a national emergency. at another facility, doctors are preparing for their shift in the coronavirus ward. with moscow the epicenter of the outbreak, the hospital is already overcapacity.

but its head doctor is used to emergencies — he was a paramedic in chernobyl. translation: the pressure on us has increased. we're getting around 150 new patients every day. we're not at breaking point yet, but we're getting close. when georgiy got sick with suspected coronavirus and was struggling to breathe, twice he called for an ambulance, but none came. the system was overloaded. translation: when i did get to hospital, it was like watching a conveyor belt — ambulances constantly coming and going, bringing in new patients. the strain on the system is close to catastrophic. i decided to go back home. most of the patients were sicker than me.

for the president, this epidemic is the biggest he has faced. it has a first him six is the victory parade on the bed square, huge celebrations for the anniversary of the end of world war ii now on hold. and in moscow, the lockdown is tightening. to use a higher public transport, you now need a digital permits. the aim, to slow the spread of the virus by keeping people off the streets. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's gavin. while raising more than £300,000 for the nhs in his garage. he completed 312 hour shifts to mirror the

pattern of an nhs worker. somebody else really well—known is getting on their bikes to raise money. who else would you want at this point than the former tour de france champion? i the former tour de france champion? ,my the former tour de france champion? , my goodness, you are pedalling already. how is it going? that was the start of something epic for him, three long but on unforgettable days. the same length as many nhs shifts he cycled. tiring, but worth it. a massive thanks to all of you out there who have donated over the past few days. it makes a massive difference. thank you, guys. thomas is not just difference. thank you, guys. thomas is notjust doing this on his own. thanks to the power of social media and a cycling app, people like you and a cycling app, people like you and me canjoin him virtually and you have been doing so in your thousands. in gardens, living rooms

and balconies, families and individuals from around the world have been showing just what pedal power can achieve. it felt crazy because you never really get a chance like this to write with him. it was really fun and really interesting to write with someone like a professional that i would not usually write with. you really feel like you're actually riding with him. to do it on three consecutive days, he isjust a champion. people coming out to ride with me and all the donations, it shows what the nhs and everyone working there, what they are doing, everyone getting behind them, it is amazing. that is people like natasha and andrew.- the moment, front line nhs staff, it is important that we get all the support we can. it has been difficult sometimes, but we are doing 0k. looking after each other

and doing the best we can. that is most important. that is what kept thomas going through the many hours, and he finished with no fanfare or ceremony, just champagne with his wife. and the donations are still pouring in. i am looking forward to a shower and maybe a bag of peas. just a huge thanks to everyone who hasjoined me just a huge thanks to everyone who has joined me and just a huge thanks to everyone who hasjoined me and everyone just a huge thanks to everyone who has joined me and everyone who just a huge thanks to everyone who hasjoined me and everyone who has donated. but the biggest thanks goes to everyone working for the nhs. so, yeah. a remarkable achievement. leicester city's james madison has praised the player's together initiative to raise money... despite

criticism about this, the premier league club captain had of the situation brilliantly, and it shows how appreciative footballers are for nhs staff and other key workers. footballers did get a little bit of heat, but we are humans like the rest of us and we want the nhs to have the best chance to fight this. we are appreciated and we are humans at the end of the day, so we came up with the players together scheme, andi with the players together scheme, and i think we will see the rewards of it. england rugby league star callu m of it. england rugby league star callum watkins has left new zealand and is returning home to be with his father who has contracted coronavirus. hejoins the father who has contracted coronavirus. he joins the side last june and has been released from his contract. and that is all the support from us now. next on bbc news, it is hard to talk with former prime minister gordon