Boris Johnson is expected to announce another national lockdown after reports of his plans were leaked to national newspapers.
The Prime Minister will chair an emergency meeting of his cabinet this afternoon ahead of a likely announcement.
It is not clear when this announcement will be at this stage, but some reports suggest it could be as early as this afternoon.
it has been reported that Government scientists presented the Prime Minister with NHS data that is so grim he has been left with no choice.
The detail of any lockdown is not yet known, but the leaked reports suggest people will once again be told to stay at home where possible.
Members of Sage, the scientific body advising the government, have already warned that a lockdown is needed if we are to prevent more than 500 Covid deaths a day over winter.
According to the Times, Prime Minister Boris Johnson met Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove to discuss the new NHS data.
The lockdown could close everything but essential shops and educational establishments like nurseries and schools.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here .
According to the Times, a source said the data was "really bad", warning: "We are seeing coronavirus rising all over the country and hospitals are really struggling to cope."
We will be bringing you all the key updates on what could be another pivotal and dramatic day for the country.
