Health secretary Matt Hancock has announced that three more parts of Egland are to be escalated from Tier One to Tier Two restrictions.
Speaking in the House of Commons Mr Hancock said the new measures will come into force at 0.01am on Saturday.
Stoke-on-Trent, Coventry and Slough will move into the Tier 2 “high” coronavirus level at one minute past midnight on Saturday, Matt Hancock told MPs.
Matt Hancock outlined new measures for Stoke-on-Trent, Coventry and Slough, where he said there has been a rising rate of infections.
He told the Commons: “Unfortunately, we’re seeing rising rates of infection in Stoke-on-Trent, in Coventry and in Slough.
“In all of these areas, there are over 100 positive cases per 100,000 people. Cases are doubling around every fortnight and we’re seeing a concerning increase of cases among the over-60s.
“So we’ve agreed in partnership with local leaders to move these areas into the high local alert level, coming into force at one minute past midnight on Saturday.
“The central change is that people cannot now meet other households socially indoors. This applies in any setting, at home or in a restaurant or any other venue.
“The rule of six still applies to any outdoor setting and although you may continue to travel to open venues, you should reduce the number of journeys where possible.”
Matt Hancock added that Warrington may be moved into Tier 3.
He told MPs: “We are also formally beginning discussions with Warrington about moving into the very high alert level due to a continuing rise in cases there.”
Mr Hancock added: “I hope that with everybody supporting these measures and taking the actions that are necessary, we can keep these restrictions in place for as little time as possible.
“But I am absolutely convinced that we do need to make progress and what I have announced today is that we will formally start the talks and I hope that we can reach an agreement and a resolution soon.”
