MATT Hancock has urged people not to take part in mass demonstrations over the weekend in breach of lockdown rules.

Protests are expected to take place across the country, including in Durham, in response to the death of George Floyd in America.

Mr Floyd, who was black, died while being arrested by four white police officers, one of whom knelt on his neck for nine minutes, despite him telling them he could not breathe.

The incident was filmed, and the footage has sparked mass demonstrations all over the country, which have now spread to the UK.

With thousands of people breaching lockdown restrictions during the week, Mr Hancock asked people to avoid groups of more than six people this weekend.

The Health Secretary told the No 10 briefing: "Like so many I am appalled by the death of George Floyd and I understand why people are deeply upset but we are still facing a health crisis and coronavirus remains a real threat.

"The reason that it is vital that people stick to the rules this weekend is to protect themselves and their family from this horrific disease.

"So please for the safety of your loved ones do not attend large gatherings including demonstrations of more than six people."

Mr Hancock also told the daily briefing the Government was upgrading the guidance to ensure that "even as the virus comes under control" hospitals can be a place of "care and of safety".

Visitors and outpatients will need to wear face coverings and all hospital staff will be required to wear surgical masks in England from June 15.

Mr Hancock said: "As the NHS reopens right across the country, it's critically important to stop the spread amongst staff, patients and visitors too.

"So today we're setting out that all hospital visitors and outpatients will need to wear face coverings.

"One of the things that we've learnt is that those in hospital, those who are working in hospital, are more likely to catch coronavirus whether they work in a clinical setting or not.

"And so to offer even greater protection we're also providing new guidance for NHS staff in England which will come into force again on June 15 and all hospital staff will be required to wear type one or two surgical masks.

"And this will cover all staff working in hospital, it will apply at all times - not just when they are doing life-saving work on the frontline - and it will apply in all areas, except those areas designated as Covid-secure workplaces."

Mr Hancock said the severe death toll will make him "redouble" his determination to deal with coronavirus.

The Health Secretary told the Downing Street briefing: "I think the day that the number of deaths from coronavirus has gone over 40,000 is a time of sorrow for us all.

"We've got to remember that each one of these is an impact on a family that will never be the same again and my heart goes out to them all.

"And it makes me redouble my determination to deal with this virus and to get that incidence right down and the way you get the incidence down is... to keep the R below one."

Matt Hancock said Sage believes the R is below one and said local lockdowns would be used when flare-ups are spotted, pointing towards a success in Weston-super-Mare.

He encouraged people who had recovered from coronavirus to donate their blood plasma, as he revealed he had made a donation.

He said: "If you have had the virus, then you can help make a difference. Because by donating your plasma from your blood that has your antibodies in it, then you can help somebody who is currently suffering in hospital with coronavirus.

"I did this earlier today, I gave my antibodies, and the process is simple, it's straightforward.

"If you have had coronavirus, if you go to the NHS blood and transplant website... then you too can donate your antibodies and help protect somebody who is currently in hospital with coronavirus.

"And I'd encourage anybody who can do that to step forward."