Covid briefing today: What time is Sajid Javid talking? What is he announcing?

Kwasi Kwarteng probed about Covid measures on BBC Breakfast

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Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, will address the general public in a coronavirus briefing from Downing Street today. He is expected to address the public about the ongoing pandemic and discuss why there is no need for new coronavirus restrictions to be implemented yet.

What time will Sajid Javid speak today?

Mr Javid is expected to address the nation in a televised Covid briefing from Downing Street at 5pm on Wednesday, October 20.

The Health Secretary will likely face many questions about Covid Plan B amid mounting pressure from MPs, health experts and the public about the rising number of cases.

His appearance will follow Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s appearance at PMQs today.

What will the Health Secretary announce today?

Mr Javid is expected to use his platform on Wednesday to address questions concerning face masks, working from home and vaccine passports.

He will tell the nation these measures will only be brought in if Britons do not get their booster jabs.

The Health Secretary will urge vulnerable Britons who have been invited to get their booster shots to come forward to do so.

He is also likely to urge any and all of those eligible for the influenza jab to get vaccinated.

The Health Secretary will today insist there is no need to implement widespread coronavirus restrictions across the coutnry.

He will seek to reassure people that in spite of rising rates of new infections, hospitalisations and deaths, the fight against the virus is under control.

Mr Javid will warn against activating Plan B, but say these measures cannot be ruled out if those aged 50 and above do not come forward to get their booster jabs.

His televised address today will mark the first Covid press briefing in five weeks.

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Mr Javid’s national address comes as the Government faces mounting pressure from health officials, including the chief executive of the NHS about “stumbling into a winter Covid cases”.

The NHS chief Matthew Taylor urged the Government to reinstate restrictions and order companies to enable workers to work from home.

He said the NHS is facing what could become “the most challenging winter on record” and as a result urged the public to “show extra support for the NHS” by “behaving in ways that will keep themselves and others safe”.

Mr Taylor added: “It is time for the Government to enact Plan B of its strategy without delay because without pre-emptive action, we risk stumbling into a winter crisis.

“Also, health leaders need to understand what a ‘Plan C’ would entail if these measures are insufficient.

“The Government should not wait for Covid infections to rocket and for NHS pressures to be sky high before the panic alarm is sounded.”

Daily Covid cases surged to hit their highest level since mid-July this week.

On Monday, almost 50,000 new infections were confirmed, while 223 Covid deaths were confirmed on Tuesday.

The Covid deaths figure from October 19 is the highest seen in seven months, since March 9. 

Figures show infections are up 16.1 percent in a week, while deaths are up 14.6 percent.

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