"Ministers, scientists and officials are deeply concerned about the rate at which Covid-19 is increasing in the north west, north east and Yorkshire/Humberside: they believe the daily quantum of infection is doubling every five to seven days in large chunks of northern England," the ITV reported. "Ministers are therefore feeling their way towards imposing more severe restrictions on socialising in those areas. They are likely to impose closure of all hospitality venues - pubs and restaurants - for a period. These new restrictions are most likely to be announced on Monday, although they could come earlier."