'Covid restrictions are to be further tightened in parts of England early next week, with the closure of pubs and restaurants a possibility in the worst-affected areas, the BBC has been told.
There could also be a ban on overnight stays away from home in these areas.
A final decision on the time period or extent of potential closures has not yet been made.
The government is also likely to introduce a three-tier system for local lockdowns.
Under the system, different parts of the country would be placed in different categories - although ministers are still discussing the precise details of the toughest level of restrictions over the next couple of days.
A formal announcement is not likely to come until Monday, according to BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg.'