Coronavirus: Boris Johnson to address nation after emergency COBRA meeting

The prime minister has cancelled his daily coronavirus news conference and will instead address the nation this evening.

Boris Johnson is understood to be chairing an emergency COBRA meeting over the pandemic this afternoon.

It comes after he warned the UK is heading towards a lockdown, after appeals to the public to stay indoors were largely ignored during a sunny Mother’s Day.

Mr Johnson said further measures would be considered in the next 24 hours to prevent the spread of COVID-19 if people fail to stay 2m (6.5ft) apart.

He admitted being outdoors was “crucial for health, physical and mental wellbeing”, but warned people not to think that “fresh air in itself automatically provides some immunity”.

Sky’s political correspondent Jon Craig said additional restrictions were believed to be on the agenda at the COBRA meeting.

“The prime minister is there with senior ministers with the exception of Matt Hancock, who is taking the emergency Coronavirus Bill through the House of Commons.

“All the signs are that the government is going to announce much tougher measures this evening. It’s suggested that plenty of cabinet ministers are urging the prime minister to do this.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News’ Kay Burley@Breakfast on Monday: “We will enforce and bring in further strong measures if we need to – but I’d much rather people follow the rules themselves, it would be much more straight forward.”

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