Coronavirus news: UK coronavirus cases hit highest ever daily total, as Wales announces more local lockdowns

PM to update nation on pandemic

Boris Johnson will hold a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to update the public on the coronavirus pandemic.

The prime minister will be joined by England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, Downing Street said.

The prime minister's official spokesman said: "The purpose of that is to provide an update on the latest statistics. It is not because there is some specific set of new announcements to make."

Opinion: Boris Johnson deserves credit for pushing for WHO funding

The prime minister’s announcement has helped to rescue one of the most crucial international institutions from bankruptcy at a time when it is needed more than ever, writes Vince Cable in this piece for Indy Voices.

Students ‘may need to self-isolate before Christmas’

Students may need to self-isolate as the end of term approaches to ensure they can go home for Christmas, the education secretary says.

Face-to-face learning may need to “end early”, to ensure infections are not spread when they go home, Gavin Williamson told MPs.

Deputy political editor Rob Merrick has more details:

Greggs hints at cutting jobs after furlough

Greggs is in talks with staff over cutting their hours “to minimise the risk of job losses” when the furlough scheme ends next month, business correspondent Ben Chapman reports.

The bakery chain warned rising numbers of coronavirus could mean interruption to supplies of goods and more restrictions on customers.

PM fails to support students over tuition fee refunds

Boris Johnson has failed to offer support for students being forced to self-isolate and whose courses are disrupted by the pandemic, insisting it is up to universities whether they offer tuition refunds.

The prime minister’s decision not to intervene comes as thousands of students receive no face-to-face teaching while some are urged to quarantine in universities’ halls of residence following outbreaks of Covid-19 on campuses across the UK.

Education secretary confirms students can complain if they feel university teaching is not value for money

Education secretary Gavin Williamson has confirmed that any student who feels their university teaching experience has not been value for money can raise the issue with the Office for Students.

In response to a question on the value for money of online courses, Mr Williamson said: “If youngsters have an issue with the quality of teaching the Office for Students have made it absolutely clear that they will investigate this and that they will take action where it is required against universities that aren't delivering what is in their contract with students.”

It has been suggested that universities with a coronavirus outbreak near Christmas could be forced to shift teaching to online learning to help with efforts to allow students to spend the festive period with their families.

Johnson apologises over getting details of coronavirus restrictions wrong

Boris Johnson has apologised after getting the details of his own government’s restrictions on social gatherings in the north-east of England wrong.

The prime minister incorrectly suggested earlier today that people in the area were allowed to meet “six in a home, six in hospitality but not six outside”.

“Apologies, I misspoke today,” Mr Johnson wrote on Twitter.

“In the North East, new rules mean you cannot meet people from different households in social settings indoors, including in pubs, restaurants and your home. You should also avoid socialising with other households outside.

“This is vital to control the spread of coronavirus and keep everyone safe. If you are in a high risk area, please continue to follow the guidelines from local authorities.”

Our political editor, Andrew Woodcock, has more details below on the prime minister’s mistake:

Why are people experiencing coronavirus symptoms for months?

Although much is still unknown about the long-term impact of coronavirus, there is growing body of evidence indicating that some people suffer symptoms of Covid-19 for longer than the typical two-week period of infection.

A study published in September reported that up to 60,000 people in the UK had been living with so-called “long-Covid” for more than three months.

Our reporter, Sophie Gallagher, has put together an explainer on the condition below:

Welsh government considering allowing adults living alone in lockdown to meet others indoors

The Welsh government is considering allowing adults living alone in local lockdown areas to meet other people indoors, the country’s first minister has said.

People living in areas of Wales with local restrictions in place currently cannot meet indoors with anyone they do not live with.

“That consideration for single-adult households is part of the current three-week review which was discussed by cabinet colleagues this morning,” Mark Drakeford told the Senedd on Tuesday.

“I'm hopeful that we will be able to complete the necessary regulations and the advice we need to take from the chief medical officer and others in order to complete our consideration of it within the three-week review that culminates this week.”