The UK has recorded 4,044 more positive cases of Covid-19, while a further 13 people have died from the virus.

Earlier today NHS England reported 10 deaths across hospital settings, all of which happened in the last 10 days. Wales recorded no new hospital deaths, while Scotland and Northern Ireland have not updated their figures.

The data comes as ministers are said to be considering a ‘total social lockdown’ for London and parts of northern England due to the rising number of virus cases. A 10pm curfew is already in place, but the government fears it isn’t enough to stop the infection from spreading.

A senior government source told The Times that an emergency plan would see pubs, restaurants and hospitality venues forced to shut for at least two weeks, while households are banned from meeting in any indoor location.

Schools, essential shops and offices where people cannot work from home would be left open.

Currently, areas with local restrictions are in partial social lockdown as mixing households is banned – but pubs, hospitality venues and non-essential shops remain open for people visiting in their own ‘bubbles’.

The Government source added: ‘The nation and the party wasn’t ready for us to go any further last week. There wasn’t a wide enough understanding of how substantial the second wave could be. 

‘Unlike the first lockdown, nobody has seen pictures of body bags in Spain or France on the TV yet, which had a very powerful effect. You have to take people with you.

‘Tougher measures on social interaction will have to come though. They’re inevitable in some parts if you look at the numbers.’

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