Boris Johnson will this afternoon address the nation after it was confirmed a new, more infectious strain of Covid-19 is in circulation in the UK.

The Prime Minister will speak from Downing Street at 4pm this afternoon amid concerns that the coronavirus restrictions may again be tightened just days before Christmas.

The new strain of Covid-19 is thought to be more infectious althought there is no indication as of yet that it is more dangerous.

It is believed to be circulating mainly in the south east of England and London, with unconfirmed press reports suggesting these areas may be put into a new Tier 4 level.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson filming his address to the nation from N010 Downing Street during the Coronavirus. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street.

placeholder image — The Prime Minister Boris Johnson filming his address to the nation from N010 Downing Street during the Coronavirus. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street.

This would mean the people in these areas would be forced to stay at home throughout the Christmas period.

For the rest of the country, reports in the Sunday Times suggest that the Christmas relaxation of the tier system will only take place on Christmas Day itself and not for five days as planned.

More to follow.