Boris Johnson second lockdown speech: What did the PM announce today, November 5?

BORIS Johnson addressed the nation today, Thursday, November 5, to discuss further steps in the fight against coronavirus.

The Prime Minister's speech came as a second lockdown came into force in England in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.

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What time was Boris Johnson's speech today?

Boris Johnson's speech took place at 5pm on Thursday, November 5.

He addressed the nation during a press conference alongside the chief executive of the NHS, Simon Stevens.

What did Boris Johnson announce?

Mr Johnson gave an update on the threat posed to the NHS by Covid-19.

During the press conference, he urged people to follow the latest rules to stop hospitals becoming overwhelmed with coronavirus patients.

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The Prime Minister has vowed the tough rules will only last until December 2 - but there is speculation they might be extended if the current lockdown does not make a big difference in terms of the spread of Covid-19.

However, Mr Johnson said he hoped families could come together this Christmas, with the UK government and the devolved administrations working on a joint approach to the festive period.

He added: "I know how tough this. I know that many of you are anxious, weary and quite frankly fed up of the very mention of the virus," and promised “this is not a repeat of the Spring” and the measures, while tough, are time limited.

He also applauded the latest measures introduced by Rishi Sunak on November 5.

The Chancellor announced the furlough scheme will be continued until March 2021, instead of lasting only one month.

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When was Boris Johnson's last speech?

The Prime Minister's last televised speech was on Saturday, October 31.

He announced four weeks of tough measures across England which started on November 5 as a way of trying to control rising infection rates.

The PM also addressed MPs on Monday, November 2, to outline the measures in further detail.