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This afternoon Prime Minister Boris Johnson will give an update to the nation on Covid-19, flanked by the Government’s top medics, at a 5pm press conference.

The Prime Minister, who will be accompanied by deputy chief medical officer Jonathan van Tam and NHS Director Stephen Powis, is expected to lay out plans for Greater Manchester and other major cities under tougher restrictions.

This comes as Sheffield leaders are involved in ongoing talks with Downing Street officials over potentially entering into Tier 3 lockdown restrictions in the city.

And the government is locked in a battle of wills with Greater Maanchester leaders over Tier 3 restrictions, with Manchester mayor Andy Burnham holding out for better support for local businesses and workers in the evnet of a Tier 3 lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on coronavirus (COVID-19).

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced last night (October 19) that if Burnham did not agree to the Tier 3 measures by midday today the Government would enforce them anyway.

The outcome of this is expected to be revealed in the press conference today.

A spokesperson for No10 said: "At 5pm the PM will lead a press conference with Jonathan Van Tam and Steve Powis.

"They will set out the latest data in terms of infections and hospital admissions.

Screen grab of Deputy Chief Medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on coronavirus (COVID-19).

"Also expect it where the PM will set out the next steps in relation to Greater Manchester and the local political leaders there."

In Sheffield the Covid-19 infection rate has been falling over recent days.

Sheffield’s current rate is 396.7, based on the latest figures which were for the week to October 14. This is down from 500.3 in the seven days to October 7.

Boris Johnson press conference: Prime Minster to make coronavirus announcement this afternoon