Prime Minister Boris Johnson considering national lockdown next week, according to reports

The BBC is reporting a new "stay at home" order could be announced on Monday, with schools, colleges and universities exempt.

There are reports of documents suggesting the UK is on course for a much higher death toll than during the first wave unless further restrictions are introduced, with one model suggesting deaths could reach more than 4,000 a day.

The Times has reported the Prime Minister is expected to announce the measures for England – which could be introduced on Wednesday and last until December 1 – at a press conference on Monday.

A number of other countries have already taken such moves in recent days, including Belgium and France, and other parts of the UK have already imposed “circuit-breaker” lockdowns.

It comes as the North East awaits fresh talks on Monday after reports officials were pressing for Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, County Durham (the LA7 areas) and the Tees Valley to move into Tier 3.

An announcement had been expected on Friday that Teesside would move into Tier 3, but talks are now resuming on Monday. Talks are also resuming on Monday over a decision on the LA7 areas.