Here's a reminder of today’s main coronavirus headlines from the UK and around the world this evening:
The first effective coronavirus vaccine - developed by Pfizer and BioNTech - can prevent more than 90% of people from getting Covid-19, a preliminary analysis shows.
The UK should get 10 million doses by the end of the year,
with a further 30 million doses already ordered.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the news, but cautioned it was "very, very
early days” and "we cannot let our enthusiasm run away with us”.
If the Pfizer vaccine passes all the rigorous
safety checks and is proven to be effective then, an NHS-led programme of vaccine distribution will begin, he said.
There have been a further 21,350 cases of coronavirus across the UK and a further 194 deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test.
That takes the total number of deaths by this measure to 49,063.
The figures tend to be lower on a Monday as there is a lag in reporting over the weekend.
Ukraine president tests positive
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky says he has tested positive for Covid-19 but that he "feels fine".
Writing on Twitter, the 42-year-old said he would go into self-isolation and would continue to work.
"It's gonna be fine," he posted.
The former comedian-turned-politician joins other world leaders who contracted coronavirus, including Donald Trump in the US, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro.
First, with a football reference, we were told we hadn’t won the cup but we now know the keeper can be beaten.
Then we were asked to imagine a cold, rainy station platform with the bright lights of a train coming down the track - but various hurdles to overcome before we could get on board.
Whatever the metaphor the message is clear: the vaccine news is positive but it’s still far from a solution.
And while the metaphors might be attracting some mirth on Twitter, there’s a serious point to them too.
The science can be complex. What's key is finding a way to get across the essential information in way we can all understand.
Analysis: The message is simple - do not drop your guard
Nick Triggle
Health Correspondent
Managing expectations seems to be a key theme of the televised briefing.
Both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and England’s deputy chief medical officer Prof Jonathan Van-Tam are at pains to inject a bit of realism into some of the euphoria over the vaccine news.
The prime minister says we must not “slacken our resolve”, while Prof Van-Tam says it will not make “any difference” for the second wave this winter.
Their message is simple – do not drop your guard against the virus.
It is easy to understand why.
The world has been waiting so long for positive vaccine news.
But today’s announcement is just the first hurdle of many.
Safety has still to be proved, its ability to stop transmission rather than just prevent disease is not yet known, how long immunity lasts is uncertain and whether it works with older people is still to be confirmed.
Other regulatory hurdles will have to be overcome – and that is before we even think about manufacture and distribution.
PM: Everything flows from driving down the R rate
The prime minister is asked how distribution of the vaccine would be prioritised.
He says ministers will “look at where the doses will be most appropriately distributed” and that “everything flows” from driving down the R rate.
He adds that “people are pulling together” under the current restrictions, and that he believes they will get the R rate to below one.
PM 'very hopeful' over vaccine but it is not a 'slam dunk'
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
One journalist points out there is global excitement about the vaccine and asks the PM how confident he is that it can be delivered.
The prime minister says he is “very hopeful” as the vaccine task force has been “securing supplies for the UK for some time now".
But Jonathan Van-Tam warns that “many things” can go wrong with vaccines during manufacture.
“Every single batch has to be quality assured and released. Things can and do and have always gone wrong,” he says.
“We have to be optimistic but we have to wait and see how vaccine manufacture goes.”
Boris Johnson says he is optimistic about the UK’s prospects for next year, but adds that he does not want to “let people run away with the idea” that today’s news is a “slam dunk”.
To make the restrictions shorter 'follow them to the letter'
Jonathan Van-Tam says that there is an "enormous mental health burden” on people during lockdown.
“One of the things we can do to try and make the restrictions as short as possible is to follow them to the letter,” he says.
The prime minister adds a cautious note, warning it is “crucial that we do not overdo it”.
“We cannot let our enthusiasm tonight run away with us, folks,” he says.
Boris Johnson being deliberately cautious
Alex Forsyth
Political correspondent
Despite today’s positive vaccine announcement, the PM struck a deliberately cautious tone. Boris Johnson stressed that news of an effective vaccine was not yet a solution.
Number 10 clearly doesn’t want the suggestion of a scientific breakthrough to be any sort of green light for people to flout lockdown rules at what he described as a critical moment.
The PM has been among the most optimistic – perhaps hopeful - in the past about science providing the way out of this pandemic. But the message today was, 'we’re not there yet', calling instead for the public to keep their resolve.
Boris Johnson will know the political and economic difficulties facing Downing St are far from over too.
'We haven't won the cup, but the keeper can be beaten'
PA Media/Downing StreetCopyright: PA Media/Downing Street
Making a football reference Jonathan Van-Tam says that "we haven't won the cup yet", but what it "does tell you is that the keeper can be beaten".
The deputy chief medical officer for England said we do not yet know what the vaccine breakthrough means for when we can get back to a normal life.
"Frankly we’re in the middle of the second wave and I don’t see the vaccines making any difference for the wave we are now in.
"I’m hopeful that it may prevent future waves but this one we have to battle through to the end without a vaccine. We have to keep pressing hard for now."
Don't get overexcited by vaccine news - deputy chief medical officer
Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, says the Pfizer vaccine news is an "important scientific breakthrough" but warns that the message is to stand fast and not get overexcited about where we are.
He says the next step will be to see safety data which he expects to see in the coming days.
Van-Tam says if it does get to the stage where vaccines are authorised for use in the UK there will have to be decisions made by the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation as to who gets priotiry.
This list cannot be finalised yet, he says.
Brigadier Fossey: We are set up and ready
BBCCopyright: BBC
The prime minister is joined by Brigaidier Joe Fossey who has led the army's support for the mass testing pilot in Liverpool.
Holding up a lateral flow test Brigadier Fossey says they offer the chance for more regular and rapid testing.
He says: "Our message to the people of Liverpool is clear: we are set up and ready for you to come and get tested. Please do not hesitate."
He says what they are trialling is a "possible route out of lockdown and a way to get on with our lives".
PM: Return to tiered system on 2 December
The prime minister said that mass testing is still in its infancy and at present is no substitute for the national restrictions, social distancing and hand hygiene and "all the rest".
"I know it has been a hard first week of the autumn restrictions," he said.
But Johnson added the country must get through this until 2 December when the current lockdown measures will expire and "we plan to move forward with a tiered approach".
'We are heading towards levels of previous peak' - PM
The prime minister says despite a vaccine being on the horizon we must continue to do everything we can to keep the R number - the rate at which the virus spreads - down.
He warns that the number of Covid patients in hospital has risen to 13,000 as of 5 November, and says "we are heading towards the levels of the previous peak".
Boris Johnson says that it is important more than ever to follow the rules but says we must hope and believe mass testing will help.
He urges people in Liverpool to get tested and says "we have tested thousands of people but there is still more to do".
President-elect Biden speaks on Covid-19
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Joe Biden has made his first speech about coronavirus after forming a panel made up of 13 scientists to advise him as he prepares to take office.
He tells Americans that regardless of how they voted in the election, they should wear masks in order to protect themselves and other citizens. "Wear a mask, it's the single most potent weapon against the virus," he says. Face coverings have become politically divisive in the US.
Biden says the vaccine development process must be transparent so Americans can have confidence in the Covid-19 vaccine. He notes it won't be available for many months yet.
"The challenge before us right now is still immense and growing. Although I'm not in office yet I'm just laying out what we expect to do and hope some of it can be done between now and the time I'm sworn in."
He adds that "there's a need for bold action" as cases, hospitalisations and deaths are all going up.
His remarks contrast with many of Donald Trump's who at times underplayed the severity of the pandemic.
PM asks 'are we at the beginning of the end?'
Boris Johnson begins by saying that people are asking that "does the progress towards a vaccine made today mean we are at the beginning of the end to our troubles".
"We have cleared one significant hurdle but there are several more to go," he says.
But he adds if and when the vaccine is ready to be sued the UK is "towards the front of the pack" as it has already ordered 40 million doses.
There will be an NHS-led vaccine programme, Johnson says.
He adds he must stress that "these are very, very early days" and the distant toot of the scientific bugle is louder but still someway off.
Downing Street briefing begins
Prime Minister Boris Johnson begins speaking at the Downing Street news conference.
Today he is joined by Jonathan Van-Tam, the deputy chief medical officer for England, and Brigadier Joe Fossey.
Beware vaccine conspiracy theories
Marianna Spring
Disinformation and social media reporter
News that the first effective coronavirus vaccine can prevent more than 90% of people from getting Covid-19 has meant vaccine conspiracy theories are being shared again on social media.
For months, they’ve been spreading in local Facebook groups, on Instagram pages and in WhatsApp chats.
The false claims include the baseless theory that a vaccine could be a way for Microsoft boss Bill Gates to secretly insert microchips into people – so they can be tracked.
Rumours have also been circulating about when the announcement happened – with the suggestion that it was deliberately timed to happen after Joe Biden was declared president-elect.
There’s currently no evidence to support this claim.
When you see these sorts of claims, remember to think about why a post was shared, how it makes you feel and to pause before passing it on.
Get in touch if you’re seeing speculation like this on social media that you want me to investigate: Marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk
There's still a way to go before any vaccine can be given to the wider public and our lives can go back to how they were pre-pandemic.
BBC health correspondent Laura Foster helps puts this news into context.
Video content
Video caption: Covid vaccine: what does the Pfizer vaccine news mean?Covid vaccine: what does the Pfizer vaccine news mean?
PM to speak following vaccine breakthrough
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to host a Downing Street news conference shortly.
It follows today's news that the company behind a vaccine trial has said it is 90% effective against the virus.
The prime minister will be joined by Jonathan Van-Tam, the deputy chief medical officer for England, and Brigadier Joe Fossey with the briefing set to start at 17:00 GMT
Live Reporting
Edited by Julian Joyce
All times stated are UK
Get involved
-
The first effective coronavirus vaccine - developed by Pfizer and BioNTech - can prevent more than 90% of people from getting Covid-19, a preliminary analysis shows.
-
The UK should get 10 million doses by the end of the year,
with a further 30 million doses already ordered.
-
Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the news, but cautioned it was "very, very
early days” and "we cannot let our enthusiasm run away with us”.
-
If the Pfizer vaccine passes all the rigorous
safety checks and is proven to be effective then, an NHS-led programme of vaccine distribution will begin, he said.
- Stock markets have rocketed on hopes of a potential breakthrough in the search for a vaccine.
-
Shoppers have been hitting Wales' high streets as the nation's 17-day lockdown ends.
-
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Covid-19 restrictions are "highly unlikely" to be eased when they are reviewed tomorrow.
-
In the US, president-elect Joe Biden named a group of scientists and experts who will lead his administration's response to Covid-19. He also urged Americans to wear masks.
- Hungary and Portugal are introducing new restrictions to stem the second wave of infection that is now affecting most of Europe.
-
A mutant form of coronavirus found in Danish mink has has been detected retrospectively at a mink farm in the Netherlands, scientists have revealed.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images View more on twitterView more on twitter 
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media 
PA Media/Downing StreetCopyright: PA Media/Downing Street 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images 
Video caption: Covid vaccine: what does the Pfizer vaccine news mean?Covid vaccine: what does the Pfizer vaccine news mean?
Latest PostToday’s main coronavirus headlines
Well, that's us over and out for today.
Here's a reminder of today’s main coronavirus headlines from the UK and around the world this evening:
Further 21,350 Covid cases across UK
And following the Downing Street conference the latest coronavirus figures have been released.
There have been a further 21,350 cases of coronavirus across the UK and a further 194 deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test.
That takes the total number of deaths by this measure to 49,063.
The figures tend to be lower on a Monday as there is a lag in reporting over the weekend.
Ukraine president tests positive
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky says he has tested positive for Covid-19 but that he "feels fine".
Writing on Twitter, the 42-year-old said he would go into self-isolation and would continue to work.
"It's gonna be fine," he posted.
The former comedian-turned-politician joins other world leaders who contracted coronavirus, including Donald Trump in the US, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro.
Analysis: A briefing full of metaphors
Alex Forsyth
Political correspondent
Prof Van Tam is all about the metaphors tonight!
First, with a football reference, we were told we hadn’t won the cup but we now know the keeper can be beaten.
Then we were asked to imagine a cold, rainy station platform with the bright lights of a train coming down the track - but various hurdles to overcome before we could get on board.
Whatever the metaphor the message is clear: the vaccine news is positive but it’s still far from a solution.
And while the metaphors might be attracting some mirth on Twitter, there’s a serious point to them too.
The science can be complex. What's key is finding a way to get across the essential information in way we can all understand.
Analysis: The message is simple - do not drop your guard
Nick Triggle
Health Correspondent
Managing expectations seems to be a key theme of the televised briefing.
Both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and England’s deputy chief medical officer Prof Jonathan Van-Tam are at pains to inject a bit of realism into some of the euphoria over the vaccine news.
The prime minister says we must not “slacken our resolve”, while Prof Van-Tam says it will not make “any difference” for the second wave this winter.
Their message is simple – do not drop your guard against the virus.
It is easy to understand why.
The world has been waiting so long for positive vaccine news.
But today’s announcement is just the first hurdle of many.
Safety has still to be proved, its ability to stop transmission rather than just prevent disease is not yet known, how long immunity lasts is uncertain and whether it works with older people is still to be confirmed.
Other regulatory hurdles will have to be overcome – and that is before we even think about manufacture and distribution.
PM: Everything flows from driving down the R rate
The prime minister is asked how distribution of the vaccine would be prioritised.
He says ministers will “look at where the doses will be most appropriately distributed” and that “everything flows” from driving down the R rate.
He adds that “people are pulling together” under the current restrictions, and that he believes they will get the R rate to below one.
PM 'very hopeful' over vaccine but it is not a 'slam dunk'
One journalist points out there is global excitement about the vaccine and asks the PM how confident he is that it can be delivered.
The prime minister says he is “very hopeful” as the vaccine task force has been “securing supplies for the UK for some time now".
But Jonathan Van-Tam warns that “many things” can go wrong with vaccines during manufacture.
“Every single batch has to be quality assured and released. Things can and do and have always gone wrong,” he says. “We have to be optimistic but we have to wait and see how vaccine manufacture goes.”
Boris Johnson says he is optimistic about the UK’s prospects for next year, but adds that he does not want to “let people run away with the idea” that today’s news is a “slam dunk”.
To make the restrictions shorter 'follow them to the letter'
Jonathan Van-Tam says that there is an "enormous mental health burden” on people during lockdown.
“One of the things we can do to try and make the restrictions as short as possible is to follow them to the letter,” he says.
The prime minister adds a cautious note, warning it is “crucial that we do not overdo it”. “We cannot let our enthusiasm tonight run away with us, folks,” he says.
Boris Johnson being deliberately cautious
Alex Forsyth
Political correspondent
Despite today’s positive vaccine announcement, the PM struck a deliberately cautious tone. Boris Johnson stressed that news of an effective vaccine was not yet a solution.
Number 10 clearly doesn’t want the suggestion of a scientific breakthrough to be any sort of green light for people to flout lockdown rules at what he described as a critical moment.
The PM has been among the most optimistic – perhaps hopeful - in the past about science providing the way out of this pandemic. But the message today was, 'we’re not there yet', calling instead for the public to keep their resolve.
Boris Johnson will know the political and economic difficulties facing Downing St are far from over too.
'We haven't won the cup, but the keeper can be beaten'
Making a football reference Jonathan Van-Tam says that "we haven't won the cup yet", but what it "does tell you is that the keeper can be beaten".
The deputy chief medical officer for England said we do not yet know what the vaccine breakthrough means for when we can get back to a normal life.
"Frankly we’re in the middle of the second wave and I don’t see the vaccines making any difference for the wave we are now in.
"I’m hopeful that it may prevent future waves but this one we have to battle through to the end without a vaccine. We have to keep pressing hard for now."
Don't get overexcited by vaccine news - deputy chief medical officer
Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, says the Pfizer vaccine news is an "important scientific breakthrough" but warns that the message is to stand fast and not get overexcited about where we are.
He says the next step will be to see safety data which he expects to see in the coming days.
Van-Tam says if it does get to the stage where vaccines are authorised for use in the UK there will have to be decisions made by the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation as to who gets priotiry.
This list cannot be finalised yet, he says.
Brigadier Fossey: We are set up and ready
The prime minister is joined by Brigaidier Joe Fossey who has led the army's support for the mass testing pilot in Liverpool.
Holding up a lateral flow test Brigadier Fossey says they offer the chance for more regular and rapid testing.
He says: "Our message to the people of Liverpool is clear: we are set up and ready for you to come and get tested. Please do not hesitate."
He says what they are trialling is a "possible route out of lockdown and a way to get on with our lives".
PM: Return to tiered system on 2 December
The prime minister said that mass testing is still in its infancy and at present is no substitute for the national restrictions, social distancing and hand hygiene and "all the rest".
"I know it has been a hard first week of the autumn restrictions," he said.
But Johnson added the country must get through this until 2 December when the current lockdown measures will expire and "we plan to move forward with a tiered approach".
'We are heading towards levels of previous peak' - PM
The prime minister says despite a vaccine being on the horizon we must continue to do everything we can to keep the R number - the rate at which the virus spreads - down.
He warns that the number of Covid patients in hospital has risen to 13,000 as of 5 November, and says "we are heading towards the levels of the previous peak".
Boris Johnson says that it is important more than ever to follow the rules but says we must hope and believe mass testing will help.
He urges people in Liverpool to get tested and says "we have tested thousands of people but there is still more to do".
President-elect Biden speaks on Covid-19
Meanwhile, Joe Biden has made his first speech about coronavirus after forming a panel made up of 13 scientists to advise him as he prepares to take office.
He tells Americans that regardless of how they voted in the election, they should wear masks in order to protect themselves and other citizens. "Wear a mask, it's the single most potent weapon against the virus," he says. Face coverings have become politically divisive in the US.
Biden says the vaccine development process must be transparent so Americans can have confidence in the Covid-19 vaccine. He notes it won't be available for many months yet.
"The challenge before us right now is still immense and growing. Although I'm not in office yet I'm just laying out what we expect to do and hope some of it can be done between now and the time I'm sworn in."
He adds that "there's a need for bold action" as cases, hospitalisations and deaths are all going up.
His remarks contrast with many of Donald Trump's who at times underplayed the severity of the pandemic.
PM asks 'are we at the beginning of the end?'
Boris Johnson begins by saying that people are asking that "does the progress towards a vaccine made today mean we are at the beginning of the end to our troubles".
"We have cleared one significant hurdle but there are several more to go," he says.
But he adds if and when the vaccine is ready to be sued the UK is "towards the front of the pack" as it has already ordered 40 million doses.
There will be an NHS-led vaccine programme, Johnson says.
He adds he must stress that "these are very, very early days" and the distant toot of the scientific bugle is louder but still someway off.
Downing Street briefing begins
Prime Minister Boris Johnson begins speaking at the Downing Street news conference.
Today he is joined by Jonathan Van-Tam, the deputy chief medical officer for England, and Brigadier Joe Fossey.
Beware vaccine conspiracy theories
Marianna Spring
Disinformation and social media reporter
News that the first effective coronavirus vaccine can prevent more than 90% of people from getting Covid-19 has meant vaccine conspiracy theories are being shared again on social media.
For months, they’ve been spreading in local Facebook groups, on Instagram pages and in WhatsApp chats.
The false claims include the baseless theory that a vaccine could be a way for Microsoft boss Bill Gates to secretly insert microchips into people – so they can be tracked.
BBC Reality Check has debunked this particular claim in the past. Nevertheless, Bill Gates’s name has been trending on Twitter since the announcement from Pfizer and BioNTech.
Rumours have also been circulating about when the announcement happened – with the suggestion that it was deliberately timed to happen after Joe Biden was declared president-elect.
There’s currently no evidence to support this claim.
When you see these sorts of claims, remember to think about why a post was shared, how it makes you feel and to pause before passing it on.
Get in touch if you’re seeing speculation like this on social media that you want me to investigate: Marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk
WATCH: What does the Pfizer vaccine news mean?
Today's news that a vaccine can prevent more than 90% of people from getting Covid-19 is based on preliminary analysis.
There's still a way to go before any vaccine can be given to the wider public and our lives can go back to how they were pre-pandemic.
BBC health correspondent Laura Foster helps puts this news into context.
Video content
PM to speak following vaccine breakthrough
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to host a Downing Street news conference shortly.
It follows today's news that the company behind a vaccine trial has said it is 90% effective against the virus.
The prime minister will be joined by Jonathan Van-Tam, the deputy chief medical officer for England, and Brigadier Joe Fossey with the briefing set to start at 17:00 GMT