Downing Street to hold press conference this afternoon

[FairyAtTheBottomOfTheGarden]

From BBC News -

UK government Health Secretary Matt Hancock is to host a virtual press conference from Downing Street later today, it's just been confirmed.

He is going to be joined by NHS England national medical director Steve Powis and chief medical adviser Chris Whitty.

Were we expecting one today?

It’s always 5pm.

Probably decided Christmas is cancelled after all and just letting us know.

Aw crap - it’s going to be London tier ‘burn it all’ isn’t it?

No bloody wonder with all the idiots around here refusing to wear a mask, not keep their distance, or even not have bloody parties.

@ThatIsNotMyUsername

Aw crap - it’s going to be London tier ‘burn it all’ isn’t it?

No bloody wonder with all the idiots around here refusing to wear a mask, not keep their distance, or even not have bloody parties.

No, there’s a press conference every week at this time.

Honestly, people really should calm down.

We have been anticipating another lockdown in London coming soon though.

It's Hancock at 5pm, I think it's just the usual Thursday press conference, nothing to get excited about.

16th is the next key date where it's possible that you might change tier.

It is Han-cocktail hour. We all need some alcohol to get through another of his broadcasts Let's hope he doesn't do the giggling/crying/emotional thing again.

@RafaIsTheKingOfClay

I'd have thought it might be a 'FGS can you stop whatever it is you are doing that's making the numbers go up again' but I'd assume Boris would do that.

They could be doing it from an NHS/overwhelming the healthcare services point of view I suppose.

That made me laugh. I know the whole thing is just a complete clusterfuck, but it just hits the nail on the head really - no-one seems to know what's happening!

Pretty sure tiers are not being changed until next week but yes London could be one that’s going to change.

I haven't been able to take Hancock seriously since I saw him compared to Gruber from Allo Allo. That laugh/cry thing of his does not help!

@Blondiney

I haven't been able to take Hancock seriously since I saw him compared to Gruber from Allo Allo. That laugh/cry thing of his does not help!

Have you seen him doing parkour? I thought it was a spoof but it really was him.

Christ, I've no chance of ever taking him seriously now!

Probably something to do with the allergic reactions to the vaccine and a call for people not to panic about it or something.
Pre-empting scare stories and more anti-vaccine sentiment spreading around by explaining what happened and what measures are going to be taken - ie. those with severe allergies not allowed to receive this vaccine.

@nancy75

Boris is in Belgium but I don’t think he’s staying long - I don’t think they like him much!

They aren't alone in that.

Pity we can't close our borders while he's there.

I can't see that the press conference is on anywhere..

@RafaIsTheKingOfClay

Alas, it won't be Boris. Perhaps Hancock will be able to turn up on time and not 10 mins after it's supposed to start.

I wonder if he'll bring a box of tissues?

Oh god I really hope they don’t put London in Tier 3 as me and DH have a hotel and meal booked for tomorrow night and I was really looking forward to one night without the kids this year.

Do you think he'll be on for half an hour?

@StarcourtMall

Oh god I really hope they don’t put London in Tier 3 as me and DH have a hotel and meal booked for tomorrow night and I was really looking forward to one night without the kids this year.

So far they've given the virus about 48hrs notice, so you might just be ok.

@pussycatinboots

Do you think he'll be on for half an hour?

It’s usually 40 to 50 mins with the press questions.

But where?

@GettingLippy

But where?

Bbc news channel

They have been doing them more often of late but it’s still generally only been on a “we’ve got something to announce or brag about” basis.

Oh, thanks. Isn't it usually on BBC 1?

@GettingLippy

Oh, thanks. Isn't it usually on BBC 1?

I’m not sure, I watch in on the news channel for the interpreter.

I think it’s usually both.