PRIME Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce within the next hour a national lockdown lasting until 2 December and starting from Thursday (5 November).

The expected all-England lockdown comes as the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK reaches 1 million.

Schools, colleges and universities will remain open, but all non-essential shops, restaurants and pubs will be forced to close.

Following a cabinet meeting at 1.30pm today (Saturday, 31 October), predictions by scientists on the likely numbers of Covid-19 infections in the coming months have led to the decision.

The Government is acting to prevent NHS capacity across the country becoming overwhelmed.

Maldon district has been under Tier 2 'High' level restrictions since Saturday, 17 October.