THE Prime Minster is set to announce a second national lockdown across England in response to the hike in Covid-19 cases.

Boris Johnson is going on television at 5pm to announce non-essential shops and hospitality outlets will have to close.

There are likely to be travel restrictions too.

But schools, colleges and universities will be permitted to remain open.

It comes as an expert has predicted there could be 4,000 deaths a day unless action is taken.

It is expected that the restrictions will come into effect on Thursday and last until December 2.