BUSINESSES could be ordered to shut at 10pm as part of new curfew rules to stop the spread of coronavirus

PM Boris Johnson will announce today that gatherings of more than six people will be illegal after a spike in cases of the potentially deadly virus.

According to the Telegraph, ministers are also considering a national curfew, similar to rules imposed on pubs in Bolton, where pubs have been forced to close between 10pm and 5am from today.

Similar restrictions in Antwerp, in Belgium, were introduced 11.30pm and 6am in July after a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Mr Johnson will announce the cut to social gatherings today in his first No 10 press conference since July as cases continue to rise across the UK, particuarly among younger people. 

He is expected to say: "We need to act now to stop the virus spreading. So we are simplifying and strengthening the rules on social contact — making them easier to understand and for the police to enforce.

“It is absolutely critical people now abide by these rules and remember the basics — washing hands, covering your face, keeping space from others, and getting a test if you have symptoms.”

The new rules will apply from Monday to gatherings in homes, pubs and restaurants — and could still be in force at Christmas.

Currently, people only face fines for gathering in groups of more than 30 and they can only legally meet inside with one other household.