Coronavirus news - live: 'Completely wrong' to say Boris Johnson's mass testing plan will save Christmas, Vallance warns

England’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has poured cold water on Operation Moon Shot, warning it is “completely wrong” to say that ministers’ proposed mass coronavirus testing regime could allow for a return to semi-normality by Christmas - just minutes after Boris Johnson touted hopes that it could.

Speaking at Downing Street, the prime minister tightened England’s coronavirus restrictions, making it illegal from Monday for people to gather in groups larger than six, with some exemptions.

Mr Johnson said it was clear that the “rapid” rise in infections laid out by Chris Whitty made it clear that “we must act", warning that “anyone breaking the rules risks being dispersed, fined and possibly arrested”.

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