A 10PM curfew could be set to be introduced - with pubs and restaurants among those that will be forced to shut early.

According to reports by a number of national media outlets, it is understood the Government is considering the drastic measure in parts of the north west that are facing a spike in Covid-19 rates.

Warrington has been flagged up because its rising coronavirus rate has now tipped over the threshold of 100 cases per 100,000 people and is currently ranked the ninth worst hit area in the country.

In the seven days up to September 12, there were 221 new positive cases confirmed in the town – an increase on the seven days up to September 10, during which there were 206 new cases.

This equates to a rate of 105.2 infections per 100,000 people.

The curfew plans, which have yet to be confirmed, also come after the first Covid-19 related death at Warrington Hospital since August 24.

The patient died on Monday after testing positive for the virus.

Bolton in the north west became the first town in England to have a curfew imposed after cases surged.

All hospitality venues were told to shut, with immediate effect, to people eating and drinking on site. This includes pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes.

They can stay open as takeaways - but only until 10pm. Between 10pm and 5am, all hospitality venues must close.

It is thought that Warrington is among the areas ministers are considering extending the policy to in a bid to reduce infection rates.

What has Downing Street said about the introduction of a 10pm curfew across the UK?

According to the PA News Agency, Downing Street did not deny reports that curfews were being considered to slow the spread of coronavirus.

When asked about reports that a curfew could be introduced in London, a Number 10 spokesman said: “We will continue to keep the transmission rate under review.

“We’ve introduced the rule of six to try and bear down on the transmission rate given that it has risen recently.

“But as I say we will keep that data and the scientific evidence under review.”

Does the PM want a second national lockdown?

A second national lockdown would be likely to have “disastrous” financial consequences for the UK, Boris Johnson has said.

He was asked by Conservative MP and chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, Julian Knight, whether the country could afford another national lockdown.

Mr Johnson replied: “I don’t want a second national lockdown – I think it would be completely wrong for this country and we are going to do everything in our power to prevent it.

“And can we afford it? I very much doubt that the financial consequences would be anything but disastrous, but we have to make sure that we defeat the disease by the means that we have set out.

“So when I see people arguing against the rule of six or saying that the Government is coming in too hard on individual liberties and so on – I totally understand that and I sympathise with that, but we must, must defeat this disease.”