Almost two million people in north-east England are expected to face local restrictions as coronavirus cases rise.
Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead and County Durham council areas are in discussions to get the measures.
These may include pubs closing earlier and restrictions on households mixing.
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the Sun: “The only way to make sure the country is able to enjoy Christmas is to be tough now.”
He previously said the government was doing “everything in our power” to avoid another nationwide lockdown.
The PM also told the newspaper the government is promising £546m as part of a plan to help protect care homes from coronavirus this winter.
As the number of coronavirus cases rises, limitations are anticipated for over two million individuals in north-east England.
The council districts of Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead, and County Durham are in talks to obtain the measures.
These could include early pub closing times and prohibitions on mixing households.
This coincides with Prime Minister Boris Johnson telling the Sun that “being tough now is the only way to ensure the country is able to enjoy Christmas.”Later on Thursday, a comprehensive announcement outlining the additional measures for the North East is anticipated.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said on Wednesday on ITV’s Peston program, “The number of cases has been rising rapidly in many parts of the country, but in particular in the North East, and so a decision has been made to impose further restrictions there.”
“And residents in that region of the nation should be on the lookout for that tomorrow, as a comprehensive statement is planned. Additionally, the measures will take effect on Thursday night at midnight.”
