Boris Johnson’s Covid announcement could have been an e-mail – 19 top responses
After advice from the UK’s chief medical officers, the coronavirus alert level has been raised from three to four, indicating reflecting serious concerns around the Omicron variant.
The UK #COVID19 Alert Level will move from Level 3 to Level 4.
This change is in response to the rapid increase in cases of the #OmicronVariant of COVID-19 and the increasing risk to the public and healthcare services.
Joint statement from the four UK Chief Medical Officers 🔽
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) December 12, 2021
Despite his paternity leave, it was announced that Boris Johnson – currently facing allegations of breaking Covid rules by hosting a Downing Street quiz in 2020 – would address the nation, via a pre-recorded message outlining the government’s response.
NEW: Boris Johnson to address the nation at 8pm tonight after Covid threat raised from Level 3 to Level 4.
“The emergence of omicron adds additional and rapidly increasing risk to the public and healthcare services."
— Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) December 12, 2021
The news caused quite a buzz on Twitter.
1.
My speech tonight will be pre-recorded, for the very good reason that I don't want to face any awkward questions from journalists.
Plus I'm always off my tits on Bolly by 8pm.#DowningStreetBriefing— Parody Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson_MP) December 12, 2021
2.
Boris Johnson will address the nation at 8pm tonight after Covid threat raised from Level 3 to Level 4.
This will be followed closely by cheese and nibbles and several rounds of quiz questions about the biggest scandals of the year.— Martin Stanley (@MStanleyBooks) December 12, 2021
3.
Fair play to Boris if his speech tells us to swap sheets with the table next to us and goes through the answers in the picture round.
— Adam Kay in a manger (@amateuradam) December 12, 2021
4.
Wait that's still a thing?https://t.co/W4fXP1EZs6
— Dr Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) December 12, 2021
5.
At level 4 not only do the questions get harder, but there's also a karaoke round.
— Sarah Hurst (@Life_Disrupted) December 12, 2021
6.
Tempted to watch Love Actually just to experience what it’s like to have a good Prime Minister for 2 hours.
As opposed to watching that mad seagull in a suit, Johnson, deliver a pre recorded attempt at an image boost. pic.twitter.com/pqLBaVv5KH
— Super Tanskiii (@supertanskiii) December 12, 2021
7.
Boris Johnson to “distress” the nation at 8pm this evening! https://t.co/ZXsetEWZji
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) December 12, 2021
8.
“We know from bitter experience how these exponential curves develop. No-one should be in doubt – there is a tidal wave of omicron coming”
Yet @borisjohnson has chosen to forgo more measures that would give us time to roll out boosters.
That's not statesmanship. It's cowardice.
— Rachel Clarke (@doctor_oxford) December 12, 2021
9.
BREAKING: The prime minister is planning to announce we are now at Covid Level 4 which means absolutely no going out in public, unless you're going to the karaoke night at 10 Downing Street next Sunday x
— Laura Kuenssberg Translator (@BBCLauraKT) December 12, 2021
10.
8pm. Boris Johnson announces his resignation after stating Omicron has moved us to Level 4. Admits not fit to lead. States only 1 man can replace him as Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/Ug1LbXEHYc
— David Patterson (@DPatz13) December 12, 2021