Boris Johnson won't rule out a national lockdown if cases of coronavirus continue to rise across the country.
In the latest press briefing, the Prime Minister refused to take the option off the table if more people became infected - but said the government is following the example of other countries with a local and regional approach.
Speaking from Downing Street, Mr Johnson also apologised that Tier 3 measures had to be implemented in Greater Manchester after talks between local leaders and government broke down.
Throughout the briefing, the PM was asked how many areas would need to be under the highest tier of restrictions before a national lockdown is imposed.
In response to the question posed by Jake, from Chester, the PM said: "What we are trying to avoid is a national lockdown at all.
"We don't rule anything out but the difficulty is that the distribution of the virus this time round is very uneven by comparison with March and April.
"And so the right response is, as many other countries are doing, to go to this local and regional approach."
Mr Johnson went onto say: "Despite the failure to reach an agreement I hope the mayor and council leaders in Greater Manchester will now work with us to implement these measures."
He also confirmed that conversations are ongoing with leaders in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and the North East about the possibility of moving to the 'very high' alert level.
He added: "I hope and expect central and local government will continue to work closely together.
"Ultimately all of us want to protect the NHS and in doing so to save lives.
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"As we act, I don't want anybody to think that your actions, our actions, are in vain.
"This evening... I can announce that Greater Manchester will move to the very high alert level.
"That means that pubs and bars must close, unless they are serving substantial meals, households can't mix in doors, or in most outdoor settings.
"In some public outdoor spaces groups must be limited to the rule of six.
"And, we strongly advise against travel into and out of the area."
