Boris Johnson now addresses the nation each day from Downing Street, keeping the public up to date with the UK’s fight against the spread of coronavirus. The Prime Minister uses the press conference to implement new rules, urge the public to keep their distance from one another and also give updates from his scientific advisors.

So far, Mr Johnson has called for social distancing, announced the imminent closure of schools, and continually called on the public to look after the most vulnerable in society.

The Prime Minister is joined by Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance who also provide updates and information.

He has also spoken alongside Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak depending on the focus for each daily update.

As the UK launches more stringent measures to tackle coronavirus, people have been encouraged to work from home, avoid public transport and keep a safe distance from those with symptoms.

At the time of writing, there are 2,626 cases of coronavirus across the UK, with 103 deaths and 65 recovered.

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When is Boris speech today – when is the next PM update?

The time of Mr Johnson’s speech can vary from day to day as it is preceded by a Cobra meeting on coronavirus.

So far, the conferences live from Downing Street have been held between 4pm and 5pm.

In the latest daily update on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Johnson announced the closure of schools from Friday.

Only children of key workers will be attending schools to allow those most needed to attend work.

Mr Williamson said a list of key workers whose children can still go to school will be released later.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Thursday, Mr Williamson said there will be a “proper and fair system” of appeal for students who are unhappy with the results they are given as GCSEs and A-levels are cancelled.

He said: “We will be doing everything we can do to make sure they get their results in August as they will be hoping to, but we can’t predict as to how they are going to unfold.

“It is absolutely vital for me for those children who have put so much work into all their learning over these years working up to their GCSEs and A-levels to get their results, but also making sure that we have a proper and fair system if they dispute that, if they are not content with it, there is some mechanism for them to have redress.”

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Universities UK chief executive Alistair Jarvis said: “If an appropriate way can be found to assess students, perhaps a combination of teacher assessments and assignment works that’s already done, then awards could be granted this summer.

“This would allow students to get their grades and the university admission process to go ahead this summer.”

What will Mr Johnson announce today?

The details of Mr Johnson’s press conference are as yet unknown, but an update on numbers of infected, death toll and further measures to prevent the spread are expected.

Mr Johnson has said measures taken so far are helping slow the spread of the virus, but he has not ruled out tougher measures being enforced down the line.

The Prime Minister has also not ruled out stricter controls being imposed on London ahead of the rest of the country.

Transport for London has announced up to 40 Tube stations will be closed on Thursday and a reduced service will run on the rails from Friday.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan warned Londoners they should not be travelling unless they “really, really have to”, but he insisted the network must remain open to aid front-line health workers.

Mr Khan will hold talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior officials on Thursday amid widespread speculation the capital could face stricter restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus.

The mayor told the London Assembly all residents of the capital should “strictly follow” the official advice and added he would be working from home as much as possible.

The mayor said: “We are clearly still in the early phase of this crisis but the spread of the virus is at a more advanced stage in London than in other parts of the country.

“This means that further measures will need to be introduced at the point at which they will have the biggest effect.

“I can assure Londoners that this is under constant review by the experts.”

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