THE UK looks set for a new national lockdown for the second time this year.

Boris Johnson is set to hold an emergency meeting with cabinet ministers at Downing Street this afternoon.

The Prime Minister is then expected to hold a press conference at 4pm alongside chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Witty and chief scientific advisor Sir Patrick Vallance.

It follows reports today that cases of coronavirus are continuing to rise nationwide, sparking fears about the ability of hospitals to cope with a rise in patients.

There are unconfirmed reports that Boris had intended to make an announcement on Monday about a new lockdown, which he has sought to avoid.

The strategy until now has been to impose “local lockdowns” under three tiers of risk in England.

Most recently West Yorkshire joined areas like South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Liverpool in being placed into tier three.

More as we get it..