Coronavirus – what did Boris Johnson say in his speech tonight?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the press once again tonight as he delivered the latest updates surrounding COVID-19.

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What did Boris Johnson say in tonight's press conference? 

Boris Johnson was joined by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak who unveiled an emergency package aimed at protecting workers' jobs and wages, as they face hardship in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The Prime Minister said that he is confident that the UK economy is going to bounce back, but that "the speed of our eventual recovery depends on our collective ability to get on top of the virus now".

Mr Johnson added, "We are strengthening the measures announced on Wednesday."

"We need now to push down further on that curb of transmission between us."

"We are telling cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants to close tonight, as soon as they reasonably can, and not to open tomorrow."

He explained that take out services will still be provided.

The Prime Minister also said that gyms and leisure centres will also be closing.

"Some may be tempted to go out tonight, and I say to you please don't. You can still be a carrier of the disease and pass it on to others. We want you to stay at home."

Rishi Sunak said: 'Our planned economic response will be one of the most comprehensive in the world.'

He addressed the fact that people are worried about money and jobs, and spoke of a 'collective national effort with a role for everyone to play'.

Mr Sunak explained that for the first time ever, the government will step in to help pay people's wages, and any employer in the country will be eligible.

Employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant.

What time was Boris Johnson's press briefing today? 

The Prime Minister was back in front of the nation today to continue the regular press briefings which have been arranged to keep the public up-to-speed on what is being done in the fight against the fight against Covid-19.

The time of the daily televised press conference is usually between 4 to 6pm, according to Number 10.

But it can vary from day-to-day given the workload of the PM in this time of crisis. 

Yesterday’s conference was about 5pm.

You can catch the speech live on Sky News or BBC News.

What did Boris announce at yesterday's address?

In yesterday’s Downing Street press briefing, the PM said he expects the tide to be turned in the fight within 12 weeks, as he urged the public to follow social distancing advice and for businesses to "stand by your employees".

He said: "We are going to want people to avoid gatherings where they can transmit the disease. We are absolutely emphatic about that.

"I am confident we will beat coronavirus. I think we can turn the tide in the next twelve weeks."

Why is the government holding daily press briefings?

Boris Johnson and his senior cabinet ministers had been criticised for a lack of regular updates into what is happening with the coronavirus outbreak.

Among them was Sir Keir Starmer - a candidate to become the next Labour leader - who called for daily press conferences.

The Shadow Secretary said he was "deeply concerned" that "ministers have been failing in their responsibilities to provide consistent and transparent public health advice".