Boris Johnson is back in Downing Street, having returned to take charge of the Government's response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Prime Minister is resuming full-time duties at the head of the Government three weeks after he was admitted to hospital with the disease.

He addressed the nation on the steps of Downing Street on is first day back, during his first public appearance he thanked everyone who stepped up in his absence.

Mr Johnson said there were no immediate plans for lifting the lockdown restrictions but would continue to review these.

He said: "It is true that we are making progress. There are real signs now we are passing through the peak."

He said the country was beginning to "turn the tide" against coronavirus.

Mr Johnson said he shared business concerns about the length of the lockdown but he refused to “throw away all the effort and sacrifice of the British people” and risk a second peak.

He said: "I refuse to throw away all the effort and sacrifice of the British people and to risk and second major outbreak and second loss of life and overwhelming of the NHS.

"I ask you to contain your impatience because I believe now we are coming to the end of the first phase of this conflict and in spite of all the suffering we have so nearly succeeded."