The Health Secretary has announced a raft of changes to help "slow the spread of Covid-19" among care homes.

At this evening's Downing Street press conference, Matt Hancock announced new steps including increased testing and plans to recruit "tens of thousands" of members of staff to the social care sector.

As concerns grow over the number of elderly care home residents who have died of coronavirus, Mr Hancock has revealed all residents discharged from hospital will be tested before being readmitted to their care home. All symptomatic residents will also be tested, alongside any social care staff or their family members who require tests.

He also revealed plans to increase supplies of personal protective equipment to the sector.

He said the government is creating a supply, logistics and distribution network of "unprecedented scale", and rolling out a new online delivery system so kit can be mailed directly to social care providers.

He added that new efforts will be made to give families the chance to say goodbye to loved ones who have been diagnosed with Covid-19.

Mr Hancock said he was moved to tears by the story of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, from south London, who died last month.

"I've been really moved and upset by some of the heartbreaking stories of people dying without a loved one nearby," he said.

"As the father of a 13-year-old myself, the reports of Ismail dying aged 13 without a parent by his side made me weep, and the sight of his coffin being lowered into a grave without a member of his family present was too awful.

"I'm pleased to say we're introducing new procedures so we can reduce the risk of infection, while wherever possible giving people's closest loved ones the chance to say goodbye."

The Health Secretary also unveiled a new badge, which will help to indicate those working in social care so they can be afforded the same recognition as NHS staff.

"I want to enhance support for our social care workforce," he said.

Indicating a green badge on his lapel that read "CARE", he continued: "We're today introducing a single brand for social care to symbolise the entire care profession.

"This is something I know so many people in the profession have called for. This badge will be a badge of honour in a very real sense allowing social care staff proudly and publicly to identify themselves, just like NHS staff do with that famous blue and white logo.

"I know that many businesses will want to offer the same recognition and benefits as they do, wonderfully, to the NHS.

"We've asked the supermarkets to confirm that social care workers can have the same priority access, and I know the public value your work in care as much as I do."

Mr Hancock's announcements come after the government revealed it is extending the cut-off date for its furlough scheme.

To qualify for the scheme, workers originally had to be employed on February 28.

But following a review of system, new guidance published today has confirmed employers can claim for furloughed employees that were employed and on their payroll on or before March 19 - the day before the scheme was announced.

The change is expected to benefit more than 200,000 employees.

At least 235 people in Kent have died after catching coronavirus.

New daily figures released by NHS England have seen the number of deaths in the county caused by the disease rise by 17 - the death toll stood at 218 yesterday.

At Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust (MTW), 55 people have died.

There have been 100 deaths reported by East Kent Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust since March 22. William Harvey, Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother and Kent and Canterbury hospitals are all part of this trust.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust reported 47 deaths.

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