We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will give a coronavirus press conference on Wednesday, accompanied by the Government’s chief medical advisor Professor Chris Whitty, and top scientific advisor Sir Patrick Vallance. This comes as the PM plunged the North East into confusion on Tuesday, when he misspoke about the rules the area will be under from midnight.

In Wednesdsay’s press conference, Mr Johnson is expected to give an update on the Government’s response.

The news conference will be focused on the latest numbers, rather than an announcement of new lockdown measures.

The PM’s official spokesman said: “The purpose of that is to provide an update on the latest statistics.

“It is not because there is some specific set of new announcements to make.”

Read More: Coronavirus lockdown: THIS could be first city to impose lockdown

How to watch coronavirus press conference live

The press conference will be streamed live on most news channels like Sky News and BBC News on Wednesday.

As yet no time has been confirmed, but it is thought to be taking place after Prime Minister’s Questions which are at 12.30pm.

Express.co.uk will update this page with more information when it is available.

At the conference, members of the public will also be able to ask questions of the Prime Minister, alongside journalists.

The press conference comes after the PM made a blunder on Tuesday when it came to the specific rules set out in the North East of England.

When he was questioned by a journalist Mr Johnson wrongly suggested the “rule of six” only applied indoors.

However, gatherings of more than six people are banned both indoors and outdoors in England.

DON’T MISS
Local lockdown update: Which areas face stricter rules from TOMORROW? [INSIGHT]
Mortgage approvals jump but UK ‘remains on a knife edge’ [ANALYSIS]
Quick COVID test: When is the rapid testing kit coming to the UK? [EXPLAINED]

Mr Johnson also struggled to give more detail on how the increased restrictions in the North East would work in pub beer gardens.

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said: “For the Prime Minister to not understand his own rules is grossly incompetent.

“These new restrictions are due to come into force across huge parts of the country tonight.

“The government needs to get a grip.”

Mr Johnson later tweeted: “Apologies, I misspoke today.

“In the North East, new rules mean you cannot meet people from different households in social settings indoors, including in pubs, restaurants and your home. You should also avoid socialising with other households outside.

“This is vital to control the spread of coronavirus and keep everyone safe. If you are in a high risk area, please continue to follow the guidelines from local authorities.”

Coronavirus cases in the UK are continuing to climb, with the biggest rise in new cases recorded on Tuesday.

A staggering 7,143 cases were declared on Tuesday, and 71 more people died from the virus.

Restrictions are in place across the UK, with the rule of six strengthened and curfews placed on pubs, bars and restaurants.

Hospitality venues need to close at 10pm under the new rules.

Wednesday’s press conference will not be to announce new restrictions, instead detailing the latest data and Government’s response to the virus.

Source: Read Full Article