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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Dave Stubbings

When is the daily briefing? How to watch the government’s latest coronavirus update

Daily press briefings about the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic have been held in Downing Street since mid-March.

Initially fronted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a series of Cabinet ministers have also appeared, most notably while the PM has been in self-isolation after testing positive for Covid-19.

The regular press conferences have been used to announce the latest measures taken, including testing updates, financial support and infection rates.

Journalists - who at first were attending in person but are now dialling in - also quiz ministers and health experts about the latest news.

What time is the government’s daily briefing?

Most briefings have taken place at around 5pm, with some starting shortly before that and others being delayed until nearer 5.30pm.

The weekend briefings were moved forward to a slightly earlier start-time of around 4pm.

However, yesterday's briefing reverted to the more usual start time of 5pm, and it's expected today's will follow suit.

Who will appear in the daily briefing?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has not appeared at the coronavirus daily briefing for more than a week after testing positive (Twitter)

At first Mr Johnson appeared in the briefings alongside the government’s Chief Medical Adviser, Chris Whitty, and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallence.

The Prime Minister will not be appearing for the foreseeable future, having been moved to intensive care at St Thomas' Hospital after testing positive for coronavirus last month.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is temporarily leading the government, and led yesterday's briefing. Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick and Cabinet Office Minister, Michael Gove, have also provided updates on the government's position.

Mr Whitty returned to the daily briefing yesterday, his first appearance since he was diagnosed with coronavirus in March.

It has not been confirmed who will be appearing today.

How to watch the daily briefing

It’s possible to watch the daily briefing on the Mirror Politics Facebook page.

The briefings are also shown on BBC1, BBC News and Sky News, as well as other Facebook and YouTube pages.

Mirror Online will also follow-up with reports and analysis of what's announced during the briefing.

Yesterday Mr Hancock said no changes for social distancing rules were "imminent", but warned the government had not ruled out further steps.

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