Mass gatherings are set to be banned to help the UK fight against the spread of coronavirus, according to reports.
The decision would mark a significant shift in the government's position in the battle over the COVID-19 virus.
A Whitehall source has told PA that talks are currently ongoing to stop large public events which could support the spread.
The source added: "Ministers are working with the chief scientific adviser and chief medical officer on our plan to stop various types of public event, including mass gatherings, beginning next week.
"We are also talking to businesses and other bodies about the timing of moving towards much more widespread working from home.
"There are many complex considerations to make all these measures as effective as possible.
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"We will make the right decisions at the right time based on the best scientific evidence."
The Whitehall source also said there were concerns about "the burden large events put on public services - including the health service and the police".
They said: "Officials are working with industry bodies to identify how to support businesses that will be affected by this decision.
"We have drafted emergency legislation to give the Government the powers it needs to deal with coronavirus, including powers to stop mass gatherings and compensate organisations.
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"We will publish this legislation next week."
On Thursday, the Scottish government advised that gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled from next week,.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the plan was in order to free up emergency services to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, rather than preventing the spread of the virus.
The move comes after the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK soared to 798 - with three more people dead from the disease.
The number of those diagnosed with the virus has risen by 208 in the past 24 hours, with a total of 32,771 people having been tested.
In total 10 people have now died from the virus, that is spreading around the country and the world.
Yesterday we revealed that the number of cases in Merseyside had gone up to 13, with two more in Liverpool and another in Wirral.
Today's first confirmed case in St Helens means that figure stands at 14 - but a further update later today is expected to see that rise in light of the new overall national numbers.
