Builders were today seen expanding a central London mortuary to prepare for a surge of coronavirus victims as the number of cases rose to 676 in a day.   

The capacity of Westminster Public Mortuary by the Houses of Parliament can currently store 102 corpses and is likely to see its capacity almost doubled. The UK death toll currently stands at 71 but officials are set to reveal an updated figure this afternoon. 

It came as Boris Johnson finally vowed a dramatic escalation of the UK's coronavirus testing capacity amid warnings that the country cannot fight the epidemic 'blindfolded'.

The PM said the number of tests a day will be increased from the current level of around 5,000 to 25,000, and NHS staff will be prioritised. However, the full 'surge capacity' at Public Health England and in health service laboratories might not be ready for another four week.