Covid cases could hit 100,000 a day this winter - Javid

And that concludes Sajid Javid's Downing Street news conference, which lasted about an hour.

During it, he said the government was not complacent about rising Covid rates, was investing in new treatments, and was constantly reviewing the situation.

There was, however, no sign than the "Plan B" of further restrictions is going to be introduced in England.

Javid urged the public to get vaccinated and to take precautions - such as wearing masks - where possible, to stem the surge in infections expected over the winter.

He warned daily cases could hit more than 100,000 - the latest figure is 49,139 - but he did say the UK had hit a milestone, with 4m booster jabs now delivered.

In the final question of the news conference, Sajid Javid is asked by Sebastian Payne of the Financial Times whether, as Covid cases rise across the country, more Conservative MPs should wear masks in the House of Commons.

"I think that's a very fair point," he replies.

"As I say, we've all got our role to play in this and we the people standing on this stage play our public roles as a secretary of state, as someone in the NHS, as the head of UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency).

"We also have a role to play to set an example as private individuals as well - I think that's a very fair point and I'm sure a lot of people will have heard you."

Jenny Harries reminds people that there is a “natural break” coming up - with half term beginning next week for most schools in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

She says that with the break, and if people adopt behavioural changes and children come forward to get vaccinated, then the R rate can fall below 1.

That would mean each infected person infects, on average, less than one other person - meaning the pandemic is shrinking.

Asked if people should have second thoughts about going to parties as the festive season approaches, Sajid Javid says the UK is "heading back to normal" - but is not there yet.

He reiterates that there's a need to take precautions, such as wearing a mask in busy settings.

He also recommends taking lateral flow tests before attending get-togethers, or visiting potentially vulnerable people.

National Medical Director of NHS England, Stephen Powis, says there is not a number of daily cases, deaths, or hospital admissions that would automatically trigger further interventions - such as the "Plan B" of extra restrictions in England.

He says it is complex and there is a variety of things that are looked at in a decision like this.

Powis says they look at infection rates, vaccine effectiveness and the number of admissions - and also what is happening with other admissions such as flu.

"We do see geographical variation, that is typical of the pandemic and it is possible that we will see that variation again.

"There is no one number to look at," he insists.

The UK reported almost 50,000 cases on Wednesday - and as this chart shows, the seven-day average daily number is not far off the peak of last January.

BBCCopyright: BBC

However, although they are increasing slightly, daily deaths are way below the peak of last winter - as this chart shows.

BBCCopyright: BBC

Sajid Javid says the government is "concerned" over cases rising and the number of deaths. But vaccines are clearly working, and are estimated to have saved 130,000 lives, he adds.

The health secretary urges the public to appeal to people who haven't had their jabs to do so - and get a flu vaccine ahead of winter.

He later adds he expects there to be "a lot more flu around" this winter, compared to last.

Sajid Javid is asked by Romilly Weeks from ITV whether the government is in danger of ignoring warning signs.

“I think the plan we have set out is taking into account the situation,” he responds.

“In my remarks, the entire focus is on what we can do to help ourselves, obviously the government has a huge role to play, the vaccine programme, testing programme, but we need people to take up vaccines when offered, especially boosters."

He again called on people to stick to a testing regime - and to remember to isolate if they have tested positive.

Javid said he has contingency measures ready if the situation “became more challenging” but says “we are not at that point yet”.

As Sajid Javid's news conference continues, here's our graphic of the latest UK virus data, which was released at 4pm.

BBCCopyright: BBC

The BBC's Sophie Hutchinson asks about the NHS Confederation's warning that more needs to be done to cut Covid rates over the winter.

Sajid Javid says current levels are not "unsustainable" and the extra support the NHS is getting is "certainly helping" - but the situation will be kept under review.

National Medical Director of NHS England Steven Powis says that, with infection rates rising, hospital admissions will continue to rise. And other viruses are around, adding to pressure on medical staff, he adds.

Like the health secretary, he also urges people to take precautions, such as wearing masks in crowded places, as well as getting vaccinated.

Ruth in Cornwall asks the health secretary whether the government should make face masks mandatory in certain settings in England again.

Javid says the government has set out a clear plan - and he still feels it was "the right decision to start to learn to live with the virus".

But he says that when it comes to face coverings, everyone should follow guidance and think about others around them, and the setting they are in.

He adds that if the government needs to turn to plan B, it would include making face masks mandatory in some settings - which may include public buildings.

UK Health Security Agency chief executive Jenny Harries says the high level of cases isn't yet being reflected in the number of daily deaths.

The most recent seven-day average of daily deaths has been "flat" - but daily deaths are now "moving in the wrong direction", she says.

The number of people in hospital is also seeing a "steady increase" as we approach winter - although we're well off last winter's peak, she adds.

"We must get the jab when the time comes, for covid or flu," the health secretary says.

But he suggests other "little steps" to help reduce the spread of Covid - including:

• meeting outdoors where possible
• opening doors and windows when meeting inside
• wearing a face covering in crowded areas - especially if coming into contact with people you don’t normally meet

Javid also suggests making rapid tests a part of your weekly routine. "A quarter of the positive cases we are identifying, come from those lateral flow tests," he says.

"These little steps make a big difference."

The "race between" the virus and vaccines is narrowing, Sajid Javid says, adding that the government will redouble efforts to get people to get a jab.

He urges people to "take this huge step" towards helping themselves and others.

Booster injections are "vital" to keeping people safe over the next few months, Javid adds.

The new Delta variant is spreading and, while there's no proof it poses a greater threat, there's a need to be ready for "whatever's around the corner", the health secretary says.

He reveals that four million booster jabs have been given so far - that's up from the most recent figure of 3.8m.

As we reported just after 17:00, the UK has announced new antiviral drug deals.

"We should be proud that the UK is at the forefront of treatments," says the health secretary.

"Dexamethasone is estimated to have saved one million lives across the world. Some of the most vulnerable patients across the NHS are already benefitting from ronapreve.

"We are seeing promising developments around antivirals too. They work by targeting the virus at the early stage and disrupting the way they develop and multiply.

"I am pleased to announce we have signed two landmark deals to supply hundreds of thousands of doses of two new antivirals.

"These antivirals have the potential to speed up recovery time and to stop infections from progressing.

"If they get MHRA approval then we can provide vulnerable patients with vital protection this summer. I want to deploy them as quickly as possible."

The health secretary is now expected to start at 17:10 BST.