Boris Johnson announcement: when the PM is expected to announce new restrictions today

Ministers are said to be considering similar strict new measures for areas across the country, amid concerns the virus is spreading out of control.

Boris Johnson is expected to make a formal announcement of new measures in a statement to MPs on Monday, October 12.

The PM is expected to make a statement to MPs at around 3.30pm, announcing the new system of “local COVID alert levels” in England.

This will come after a COBRA meeting this morning in which the details of the proposed three-tier lockdown system will be finalised.

At around 6 pm, Mr Johnson will host a televised press conference alongside Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, to address the public and answer questions.

“This is a critical juncture and it is absolutely vital that everyone follows the clear guidance we have set out to help contain the virus,” Downing Street said.

The rule of six is currently the biggest restriction imposed in Luton. Social distancing measures are also in place as is the case across the rest of the country.

But infections have been rising sharply in the last week, with 30 new Covid cases announced in Luton over the weekend.

The total is now 2,340 positives tests in Luton since records began at the start of the pandemic, according to the latest figures from Public Health England.

In an effort to address the rising infection rates, the PM will likely introduce a three-tier system for local lockdowns, which would see different parts of England placed into different categories.

Areas in England are set to be labelled as medium, high or very high risk, depending on their infection rates, which will inform the “appropriate interventions” needed in each area.

Areas that fall into “medium” are likely to continue to follow national restrictions, such as the "rule of six" and social distancing.

Those in “high” will have restrictions to be similar to those currently in place in large parts of northern England, including bans on household meetings.

Areas placed into “very high” would include those with significantly higher infection rates and will likely face a full lockdown, which would see pubs, cafes and restaurants forced to close.

However, a final decision on the time period or extent of the potential closures has not yet been confirmed.