What did Matt Hancock say in today’s press conference? – The Sun

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned he will enforce stricter lockdown measures if Brits keep flouting social distancing rules. He said he "cannot rule out further steps" in today's press conference – but none are imminent.

Here's everything you need to know about what was revealed.

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What was said in today's daily press conference?

• Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he "cannot rule out further steps" being introduced in regards to exercising outside – but none are imminent. His comments were because the vast majority of people are following the rules, he said. "What we are doing is being absolutely clear that the current rules must be followed," he added.
• Two people Matt Hancock "was fond of" have died because of coronavirus. "I understand what a difficult time this is for the country," he said.
• The NHS has more than 9,000 ventilators now. That is being "ramped up" over the next week to reach a target of 18,000, Matt Hancock said. He continued to add it's not thought that many would be needed, but it is important to keep the supply above the need.
• England's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said it was important to test for potential cases of Covid-19 in care homes and prisons. But Dr Harries said hospitals have to be top of the list.

What time are the daily press conferences?

The daily COVID-19 briefings were introduced after Prime Minister Boris Johnson was hit with criticism over his handling of communication around the virus and and the government’s plan to tackle its spread.

Number 10 has said the press conferences will take place between 4pm and 6pm each day, although some weekend briefings have been earlier.

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.

Boris Johnson and cabinet ministers will chair the daily briefings as the outbreak continues.

Why is the government holding daily press conferences?

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 – the new 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”.

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