What time is the coronavirus briefing today? How to watch latest announcement

Health Secretary Matt Hancock will give a statement to MPs this afternoon updating them on the UK's approach to tackling the particularly infectious Indian variant of coronavirus.

The briefing comes as restrictions ease further in England, but the government's roadmap out of lockdown remains under threat as certain areas of the country are hit hard by the latest variant.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the general public to remain cautious even as certain measures are lifted as he says "everyone must play their part" to keep the UK on track.

Read on for everything you need to know about this afternoon's briefing.

When is the coronavirus briefing time today?

Matt Hancock will address MPs at 4:15pm today about the latest coronavirus variant to hit the UK.

The update comes as lockdown measures are further eased, with indoor socialising, gym classes and some overseas holidays now among the activities allowed by law.

However, the threat of the Indian variant of coronavirus, which has proven to be particularly infectious, still looms large and could delay the government's original roadmap to the other side of the pandemic.

Until the end of June 2020, the government had been holding daily COVID-19 briefings from Downing Street, but in the time since it has only been addressing the public when there has been significant new information to report.

Where can I watch the coronavirus briefing today?

Matt Hancock will address MPs in parliament today (17th May) at 4:15pm, with coverage available the dedicated BBC Parliament channel (Freeview 232, Freesat 201, Sky 504 and Virgin 605).

It is very likely that there will also be coverage of the address on BBC News and Sky News.

Previously, the government's coronavirus briefings have caused schedule changes for broadcasters, with programmes shuffled around to make way for the briefings.

Who is leading today's coronavirus briefing?

Health Secretary Matt Hancock will be leading today's coronavirus address for members of Parliament.

He is expected to give an update on the growing concerns surrounding the Indian COVID variant, as well as addressing the easing of restrictions in England.

In previous instances, conferences have been led by the likes of Grant Shapps, Matt Hancock and Rishi Sunak, with Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan Van Tam and NHS Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens in supporting roles.

Government figures have also been joined by other medical and science experts including NHS England's regional medical director for London Dr Vin Diwakar.

What will be included in today's briefing?

Matt Hancock is expected to address the growing concerns about the Indian variant amid rising case numbers, as well as the plan to battle the new variant with a continued vaccine rollout.

Despite fears about the variant, the government has eased certain lockdown restrictions today (Monday 17th May) as had been set out in its original roadmap.

There is evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the Indian variant, meaning this is likely to remain a key part of the government's plan to prevent it taking hold of the country.

Will Boris Johnson be at the coronavirus briefing?

Matt Hancock will be briefing MPs in the House of Commons today.

Johnson has led several press briefings in recent months, which have been used to declare crucial information, such as the announcement of the third national lockdown and updates on the UK's vaccination programme.

Other ministers who have led briefings in the past include Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Does Boris Johnson have coronavirus?

Johnson announced he had tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday 27th March 2020 via a video on his Twitter account.

Nine days later he was admitted into hospital and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab deputised in his absence.

Johnson was discharged on Sunday 12th April and returned to work on the week commencing 27th April.

In November 2020, he underwent another period of self-isolation after coming into contact with someone who tested positive.

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