Boris Johnson had been expected to update the nation from No10 – but has been replaced by the Health Secretary after he was forced into self-isolation in his flat

Matt Hancock is due to give a Downing Street press conference to the nation today after Boris Johnson was forced into self-isolation.

The Health Secretary will take to the podium at around 5pm for the latest update after officials decided to make them twice per week.

It’s thought No10 wants to hold ministerial press conferences on Monday and Thursday evenings until England’s lockdown ends on December 2.

The Monday versions were meant to be led by the Prime Minister, with a rotation of ministers set to lead the updates on Thursdays.

Mr Hancock is expected to update the nation on issues including Covid rates, a vaccine and mass testing, although no major new announcement is expected.

Earlier today he appeared to be playing down hopes that a vaccine would come on December 1.