UK Queen records first ever Easter message

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II urged the importance of social distancing in her annual Easter message to Britons.

In the audio message which was recorded at Windsor Castle and released on Saturday, the Queen said the "coronavirus will not overcome us" as the UK reported 917 more deaths.

"As dark as death can be – particularly for those suffering from grief – light and life are greater," she added.

It is the second time Britain's monarch has addressed the coronavirus crisis publicly - on Sunday she released a video message to show support for those suffering and thanked the medical staff.

The speech, which was aimed at inspiring and strengthening the public spirit, was one of five she has given during her reign.

Britain's overall death toll has neared 10,000.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The vast majority of people recover.