Boris Johnson announcement: when the PM is expected to announce potential new restrictions for Milton Keynes

Ministers are said to be considering similar strict new measures for swathes of northern England, amid concerns the virus is spreading out of control.

When will Boris Johnson make the announcement?

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

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 6pm, 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.

What are the current restrictions in Milton Keynes?

The rule of six is currently the biggest restriction imposed in MK. 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 49 new Covid cases announced in Milton Keynes over the weekend - read full story here.

What is the current infection rate in Milton Keynes?

The total is now 1,394 positives tests in MK since records began at the start of the pandemic, according to the latest figures from Public Health England.

Buckinghamshire recorded 104 new cases over the weekend and the total is now 2,830 cases.

It comes after a new Covid-19 testing centre opened last week to cope with surge of cases in the north of Milton Keynes - read full story here.

Figures suggest two in five coronavirus contacts are being missed in Milton Keynes by the NHS test and trace - read full story here.

What measures could be implemented in a three-tier lockdown?

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.

Will pubs and restaurants close?

Mr Johnson is expected to order tougher restrictions in swathes of northern England and the Midlands, with the worst affected areas facing the possible closure of pubs and restaurants.

Cities including Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle will most likely see hospitality venues forced to shut, as infection rates in these areas continue to soar.

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