Large parts of the North East are set to be subjected to tighter lockdown restrictions that will be announced tomorrow, Sky News understands.
The fresh coronavirus restrictions are expected to come into force on Friday.
An MP present at the meeting told Sky News that the areas affected are likely to be Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead, County Durham and Sunderland.
It comes after health minister Nadine Dorries met with 22 MPs from NE England earlier today.
According to the Chronicle Live, measures will include a curfew of 10pm on pubs, restaurants and other licensed venues, as well as banning people from socialising with anyone outside their household.
Other restrictions, which are set to be announced but have not yet been confirmed, include people being told not to travel on holiday with other households and sports fans being advised not to attend games.
The paper adds that only essential visitors will be able to visit care homes and, except for essential journeys, public transport use and car-sharing will be discouraged at peak times.
Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes tweeted: “Some additional, temporary restrictions are being planned to prevent another full lockdown.”
In a reply to another Twitter user, Mr Forbes added: “We are waiting confirmation from Government on the final version of the regulations; I am expecting an announcement by the Health Secretary at 11am tomorrow.”