Coronavirus news you may have missed overnight: Government admits NHS app will not be ready in time, as WHO records highest ever daily increase in cases

More than 5 million now infected worldwide and over 327,000 deaths

The global search for treatments and vaccines to bring the coronavirus pandemic to an end is an ongoing challenge, as the outbreak has now infected more than 5 million people worldwide, with over 327,000 deaths.

In the UK, 35,704 people have died from Covid-19. The government is forging ahead with its gradual easing of lockdown measures.

Here is your daily briefing of coronavirus news you may have missed overnight.

Government admits NHS app will not be ready for launch of contact tracing scheme

Downing Street confirmed the NHS smartphone app for tracking people who have been in contact with Covid-19 patients will not be ready for 1 June, when the next stage of the government’s relaxation of lockdown is due to begin.

But Boris Johnson pledged the government’s tracing programme would begin at the start of the next month, meaning it will be under way without the app that has been developed by NHSX and has been under trial on the Isle of Wight for almost two weeks.

WHO records highest ever daily increase in global coronavirus cases...as London reports no new infections in 24 hours

As London reported no new cases of the virus across a 24-hour period, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recorded more than 100,000 new coronavirus infections in the space of 24 hours - a new global high.

Former epicentres of the virus like South Korea and Italy have continued to experience declining rates of infection - with London, once the worst affected region of the UK, confirming no new cases in major hospitals.

Jacinda Ardern floats idea of four-day week to boost economy post-lockdown

New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern suggested a four-day week could boost the economy and help employees achieve a better work-life balance as the country resumes business following an eight-week coronavirus shutdown.

Ms Ardern, who has been widely praised for her handling of the pandemic, said a shorter week and more public holidays aimed at promoting domestic tourism may provide a much-needed lift to the country's economy in the coming weeks.

Lack of post-mortems hampering fight against Covid-19, warn experts

The Independent learned a lack of specialist post-mortems on coronavirus victims has hampered life-saving research to unlock the virus’ secrets and find new treatments and even a vaccine.

Only a few dozen medical post-mortem examinations have been carried out since the start of the outbreak meaning there is a shortage of tissue samples for scientists hoping to unravel how the virus affects the body or study the wider epidemiology of its spread among groups in society.

The Royal College of Pathologists has said it is “absolutely vital” that more medical or so-called ‘consented post-mortems’ are carried out now the country is through the worst of the pandemic.