Follow the latest on the virus in the UK as the prime minister is expected out plans for a month-long lockdown amid warnings that new infections are ‘running riot’
The timing of the press conference has been put back until 5pm, lobby journalists have been told.
Press conference at Number 10 will now be 5pm not 4
They can’t even get the time of a press conference right. What an absolute shambles. https://t.co/V6NwaIVDOp
Welcome to a special Saturday edition on our UK coronavirus live blog as new lockdown measures are expected to be announced.
Boris Johnson is due to hold a press conference at 4pm, amid warnings that new infections are “running riot”.
Related: What could a national Covid lockdown in England mean?
This isn’t a decision any government would want to make. No one envies the job ministers have right now. The evidence is stark but this is still a very tough call and the government deserves credit for changing its approach in the light of a very fast-moving epidemic.
Doesn’t a national lock down merely delay rather than stop the virus? Let’s concentrate on cures and limiting transmission whilst allowing businesses to stay open.
Keir Starmer called for a circuit breaker weeks ago to coincide with half-term. The scientists said then it could be 2-3 weeks. We’ve missed that window now so it will need to be longer. That will cause untold damage to our economy and public health just as economic support ends. pic.twitter.com/i8PKa5YHHk
