The areas expected to be governed by the new restrictions include Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead, Country Durham and Sunderland. The Government is poised to announce the changes tomorrow.
The new rule will come into effect from Friday, which could force pubs, restaurants and other licensed premises to close from 10pm each day, as a curfew is introduced.
But the hospitality venues will be allowed to reopen, unlike in Bolton where pubs and restaurants are take-away only.
Residents of the areas will also be banned from socialising with anyone from a different household.
People will also be asked not to visit care homes unless it is essential, not to attend sporting venues and to avoid public transport except for essential journeys.
The new measures are expected to come into force after midnight on Friday morning in a bid to curb the dramatic rise in coronavirus cases across the region.
More to follow…
