Health Secretary Sajid Javid will hold a press conference this evening as the covid situation in the country continues to worsen.
The Health Secretary is expected to warn that further measures may be introduced if more people don't take up vaccinations and booster jabs.
Pressure is building on the government to take action and re-introduce some measures as virus rates continue to rise.
Daily Covid cases have been above 40,000 for seven days in a row, with 43,738 new infections reported on Tuesday, and the number of patients in hospital rose by 10% in a week to 7,749 on Monday.
READ MORE: See all our coronavirus stories here
Another 223 deaths were recorded yesterday, the largest number since since March, although daily figures are often higher on Tuesdays.
The NHS Confederation said a back-up strategy, or Plan B, which includes mandatory face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces, should be implemented immediately.
It has now been confirmed that Health Secretary Sajid Javid will give his first major covid briefing at a press conference at 5pm today.
He will be expected to push a number of messages that were tweeted out by Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty today.
Professor Whitty said: "COVID-19 cases are rising and winter is drawing closer.
" 1) If you have not been vaccinated, now is the time. 2) If you are offered a booster please take up the offer. 3) Ventilation, masks in crowded indoor spaces and hand washing remain important."
The UK government has been criticised for focussing only on vaccinations in its covid battle, while other countries have retained some social distancing measures and mask mandates.
Mr Javid will certainly be asked about if and when he intends to move to a so-called Plan B, with more measures introduced.
The ECHO will be providing live coverage of the press conference this evening.
Tell us what you think should be done next in the fight against Covid-19 in our quick survey
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
