PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has extended England's lockdown for another three weeks until March 8.
The PM's latest announcement came before Home Secretary Priti Patel sets out plans for quarantine hotels to tackle the coronavirus crisis.
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What time was Boris Johnson's announcement?
The PM first took part in PMQs at 12pm today, Wednesday January 27, followed by urgent questions at 12.30pm at the House of Commons.
His statement was relayed at 1.15pm.
Then, later today – at 5pm – Mr Johnson will hold a press conference.
What did Boris Johnson announce?
Today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that he has extended England's lockdown for another three weeks until at least March 8.
The PM said that schools will no longer be able to open after the February half term, but that he hopes they will be able to go back by March 8.
He said: "If we achieve our vaccination of vaccinating everyone in the four most vulnerable groups by February 15, and every passing day sees more progress towards this goal, then we hope by three weeks later – March 8 – it will be safe to begin the opening of school by March 8."
He also said that the Government will prolong free school meal arrangements while developing a long term plan with teachers and schools so that students can catch up on lost time.
Addressing hotel quarantines, the Prime Minister said all UK nationals and residents arriving from some countries who cannot be refused entry will have to isolate in hotels for 10 days without exception.
Boris Johnson apologised to the British people after it was revealed that 100,000 deaths from coronavirus have been recorded.
He said: "The most important thing we can do to honour their memory is persevere against this virus with ever greater resolve."
The Prime Minister also confirmed that both the Pfizer and Astrazenica vaccines are effective against the UK variant.
How can I watch Boris Johnson's announcement?
You can watch the PM's announcement via The Sun's YouTube page.
Or, check out the latest updates on the paper's dedicated coronavirus liveblog.
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