What happened in today’s government coronavirus press conference?

BUSINESS Secretary Alok Sharma and NHS England medical director Stephen Powis chaired today’s coronavirus press conference. 

Here’s the latest from the government.

Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

What time was the government’s coronavirus press conference today?

Today’s press briefing took place at 4pm.

Number 10 has said the coronavirus press conferences will take place between 4pm and 6pm each day, although last Saturday’s briefing was at 2pm.

A Downing Street spokesperson said they would like to “see the briefings held at a consistent time.”

So far, all previous briefings have started around 5pm.

Journalists also dial into the press briefing these days rather than attend in person to help with social distancing measures.

Who spoke at the briefing today?

Alok Sharma chaired Saturday’s briefing, alongside NHS England medical director Stephen Powis.

That was because Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock both tested positive for coronavirus yesterday.

Thursday’s press conference was given by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Jenny Harries.

What was announced in today’s briefing?

The Government uses these daily press conferences to update the nation on the latest measures taken in the fight against coronavirus. Here’s what was announced today:

• Sharma announced that staff can defer their annual leave for another two years. He said: “This will protect staff from losing out, while providing businesses with flexibility when they need it most.”
• Banks are processing thousands of applications for loans designed to help businesses with an annual turnover of under £45m.
• Local authorities are beginning to receive funds which they will distribute as grants to businesses.
• The Business Secretary said the government will change elements of the insolvency system to help UK companies keep trading. He said legislation will be introduced soon to allow UK companies to “weather the storm” of the virus.
• Mr Sharma said there will be more hand sanitiser within days. He added that suppliers will be able to bring the product to market in a matter of days. He said: “We are also introducing a range of measures to boost the supply of personal protective equipment, such as face masks, to protect frontline NHS staff.”
• NHS England medical director Prof Stephen Powis said if we keep the death toll under 20,000, “we will have done very well”. It was “possible to get on top of this virus”, he added.

• Companies required to hold annual general meetings will either be able to postpone or hold the AGM online.

• The UK is not yet at capacity for intensive care beds. Powis said: “We are not at capacity yet within London, but beds are being opened all the time to produce that extra surge capacity.” He added theatres and recovery areas are being used for patients as ventilators are already set up in those areas. He said that is already doubling the capacity.
• Prime Minister Boris Johnson is showing mild symptoms of coronavirus but is “absolutely leading the response from the front”, Sharma confirmed.
• Stephen Powis issued a direct warning to the public: “Now is the time to really, really lockdown and hone-down on what we’ve been asked to do.”

Why is the government holding daily 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”.