Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to make an announcement at Downing Street this afternoon after it was reported that England could be put into a lockdown next week.

The PM will be flanked by chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty when he addresses the nation at 5pm this afternoon.

The Times has today reported that the country is set to be placed into lockdown and that an announcement was due to take place on Monday.

However, after a Cabinet meeting which was reported to have taken place this lunchtime, Mr Johnson will now speak to the nation this afternoon.

It was reported that the lockdown could be enforced on Wednesday and last until December 1.

According to The Times everything will close apart from essential shops and “educational settings”.