Matt Hancock will make a statement in the House of Commons today (Thursday).
The Health Secretary's speech to MPs will follow last-minute talks between Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and No 10 this morning.
Manchester MPs have said they have also been invited to a meeting on Thursday morning.
Mr Burnham has been resisting pressure to follow the Liverpool City Region into the Tier 3 restrictions – which would see bars, gyms and betting shops forced to close – despite soaring infection rates.
But reports late on Wednesday suggest the government's Joint Biosecurity Centre has recommended most of the North West and North East of England, as well as parts of Yorkshire and the Midlands, should be moved into Tier 3.
Therefore, Mr Hancock will update MPs on the latest measures in a Commons statement at 11.30am.
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi has not ruled out that the health secretary will announce Greater Manchester and parts of Lancashire being moved into Tier 3 restrictions.
Appearing on Sky News on Thursday morning, he appeared to suggest it was a foregone conclusion that Greater Manchester would have the most severe measures imposed.
