Matt Hancock refused to rule out a second national lockdown this morning, saying it would be the “last line of defence” against Covid-19.
The Health Secretary told Sky News: “We'll do what is necessary to keep people safe."
It comes amid claims Government scientists have called for a two-week national lockdown in October to slow the spread of the disease.
Meanwhile ministers are reportedly considering a “circuit break” - a short period of tightened rules across the country, but with schools and most workplaces remaining open.
Mr Hancock said: “The last line of defence is full national action and I don't want to see that but we will do whatever is necessary to keep people safe in a very difficult pandemic."
He added: "It isn't something that we ever take off the table but it isn't something that we want to see either, it is the last line of defence.
"The country once again needs to come together and recognise there is a serious challenge. That the virus is accelerating.
"Unfortunately, it isn't just cases increasing, it's also the number of people ending up in hospital increasing."
Asked how close a new national lockdown could be, Mr Hancock said: "We keep all of these things under review."
Hospitality businesses could be forced to shut are being examined to prevent a fresh wave of deaths.
A "circuit break" of a few weeks could be announced within days as experts battle to contain a new spike in Covid-19.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said closing schools would be a last resort. But pubs and restaurants could be placed under curfew.
The measures are under consideration following a meeting on Wednesday where England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance warned of another serious outbreak.
It comes as local lockdown rules are also set to be brought in for Lancashire - with the exception of Blackpool – placing another million people under tough restrictions.
Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: “Labour warned months ago that unless the Government spent the summer fixing the testing regime then we would face a bleak winter.
"The Government ignored that advice, the testing regime is collapsing and so it is not surprising national restrictions are back on the table.
"The Conservatives’ incompetence is holding Britain back and damaging the national effort to stop the spread of this virus.”
