THE Prime Minister Boris Johnson will make a statement on Covid this afternoon, instead of the Health Secretary Matt Hancock. 

Mr Hancock was originally scheduled to deliver a statement on the virus in the House of Commons at around 1.15pm.

But in an update, the Prime Minister is now expected to make the statement in front of MPs instead. 

It comes as Mr Hancock last night described the Covid death toll exceeding 100,000 as "heartbreaking" as he warned there is still a "tough period ahead."

In a statement, he said: "My thoughts are with each and every person who has lost a loved one – behind these heart-breaking figures are friends, families and neighbours.

“I know how hard the last year has been, but I also know how strong the British public’s determination is and how much we have all pulled together to get through this.

“We’re undertaking a huge national effort to vaccinate the most vulnerable people in our society, with over 6.5 million jabs across the UK to date, and thanks to the brilliance of our scientists and clinicians we know more today about this terrible new virus and how to beat it.

“The vaccine offers the way out, but we cannot let up now and we sadly still face a tough period ahead. The virus is still spreading and we’re seeing over 3,500 people per day being admitted into hospital.

“The single most important thing we must all do now is stay at home to save lives and protect our NHS.”

SEE MORE: Covid deaths in County Durham reach tragic milestone as toll surges

Last week, the Director of Public Health for Durham offered her condolences as it emerged the county had reached its own sombre mileston.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Amanda Healy, the Director of Public Health at Durham County Council, made the comments as official data showed Covid deaths had exceeded 1,000 in County Durham since the outbreak began.

She said: “I would like to express my sincerest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one as a result of covid-19.

"Each statistic is someone’s family member, friend, partner, or colleague, who will be greatly missed by those who love them.

“While we are seeing positive signs in the county’s infection rates, people may be worried about a rise in the number of deaths.

"However, this increase is because there is some time between a person first testing positive and a death being recorded.

"We hope that as the county’s infection rates continue to decline, we will also start to see a fall in the number of deaths.

“I would like to express my thanks to those who are helping to bring down infection rates by staying at home and following the guidance by maintaining hand hygiene, wearing a face covering and social distancing.