Boris Johnson to hold press conference as UK records largest increase in new cases

BORIS JOHNSON will appear at a press conference to speak to the UK as the Covid-19 situation worsens.

Yesterday, the UK recorded the highest number of daily coronavirus cases since the outbreak began.

The Prime Minister will be joined at a Downing Street press conference by England’s Professor’s Medical Director Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance in what will be the 100th report on the coronavirus since the pandemic hit the UK.

Three weeks after its last appearance, the number of cases has risen and millions of people are facing harsh restrictions in trying to suppress the virus.

As of 9 a.m. yesterday, there had been a further 7,143 laboratory-confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK, the highest daily figure on record since the outbreak began, although far more tests are underway than in the spring.

Another 71 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Tuesday, bringing the UK total to 42,072, although separate figures released by UK statistical agencies show that Covid -19 was mentioned on the death certificate in nearly 57,900 cases. .

Confirming yesterday’s press conference, Boris Johnson’s official spokesperson said: “The purpose of that is to provide an update on the latest statistics. It’s not because there is a specific set of new announcements to make. “

Meanwhile, new regulations in Northumberland, Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland and County Durham went into effect at midnight and fines will be imposed if people mix with other people outside their home or bubble indoors. , including pubs and restaurants.

Sorry, I was wrong today.

In the Northeast, the new rules mean that you can’t meet people from different households in indoor social settings, including pubs, restaurants, and your home. You should also avoid socializing with other households abroad. (1/2)

– Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 29, 2020

“Effective” public health messages have been called for after Johnson had to apologize for confusion over closure measures in northeast England.

Johnson stumbled on his explanation of the home mixing ban, saying he was “wrong.”

Since the rules weren’t released until last night, ministers were asked if they would apply in settings like beer gardens.

In response to questions, Johnson said: “In the Northeast and other areas where extra stringent measures have been put in place, you have to follow the guidance of local authorities, but there are six in a household, six in hospitality but, as I understand that, not six out. “

But then he tweeted: “Sorry, I was wrong today. In the Northeast, the new rules mean that you can’t meet people from different households in indoor social settings, including pubs, restaurants, and your home. You should also avoid socializing with other households abroad. “

Regulations state that people who operate the facilities must ensure that groups meeting outdoors do not exceed six unless an exception applies, suggesting that groups can still socialize outside as long as they adhere to the rule. of the six.

Rebels

With MPs set to vote on the renewal of the Coronavirus Act powers in the Commons today, more than 50 conservatives have backed an amendment calling for parliament to have more voice on using measures to curb people’s freedoms. .

Today’s vote will see MPs decide whether to renew the provisions of emergency legislation in the Coronavirus Act.

Conservative MPs hope ministers will offer concessions to avoid damaging defeat if President Sir Lindsay Hoyle calls for a vote on the rebel amendment.

Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the influential 1922 Tory Committee and head of the rebels, said that “an agreement will probably be reached” because “they knew we have the numbers.