Stricter coronavirus rules could come into force by next week for England's worst-hit

COVID-19 measures in areas of England could be tightened by next week, the BBC has found out.

The tighter rules could include closing pubs and restaurants as well as banning overnight stays in the worst affected regions of England.

Areas like Liverpool and Manchester could be affected by these possible restrictions as they have the highest infection rates.

There are no plans as of yet to close down schools despite these stricter rules.

This comes as the government was challenged by Labour to publish scientific proof that the spread of coronavirus has been deterred by current regulations which close hospitality venues at 10 pm.

Robert Jenrick, the communities and local government minister, stated that: "It is commonsensical that the longer you stay in pubs and restaurants, the more likely you are to come into contact with other individuals."

He added: "The more drinks that people have, the more likely that some people are to break the rules."

Mr Jenrick said that increased measures for parts of England that had been hit badly by the virus were been currently considered and would be announced in "coming days".

From tomorrow, Scotland's new stricter measures will come into force, meaning that pubs and restaurants in the central belt of the country will close. Other pubs and restaurants across Scotland will close at 6 pm and alcohol will only be served in outdoor spaces.