Lancaster and Morecambe residents and businesses bracing themselves for a series of lockdown measures similar to those in the North East

People in northeast England will not be able to meet others outside their household from today, and it is expected that most of Lancashire will follow.

The new rules could also mean people are banned from socialising with others outside their household or bubble, and restaurants and pubs are restricted to table service only.

There may also be a 10pm curfew for all food and drink and other venues.

New country wide measures which could result in the closure of hospitality businesses are being considered by the government to slow a rise in coronavirus cases.

But schools and most workplaces would be kept open during those weeks.

Angie Ridgwell, chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum said: "We are expecting an announcement later today by Government that the majority of Lancashire will be subject to new measures in order to bring down the rate of Covid-19 infections.

"Over the last two weeks, we have unfortunately seen significant increases in the number of cases in most towns and cities in our county.

"The Government reviews the situation weekly and can implement new measures if deemed necessary to control the spread.

"We are awaiting the full regulations and guidelines, but will let you know what it means for you and our county as soon as we can.

"We all want to get back to normal, and we know this news will be difficult for people to hear. These decisions are not taken lightly and are in the interest of everyone’s health and safety."