This means that measures would be tightened according to the density of coronavirus cases, he said, adding that they would also be stricter than those imposed before the partial lockdown.

Which region would be put into which tier - medium alert, high alert or very high alert - is due to be announced in the course of this week.

However, according to the government's COVID-19 Winter Plan "it is also likely that more of the country is placed into tiers 2 and 3 at first, as part of the continued effort to suppress infections" and to protect the health care system.

On December 2, non-essential shops, fitness centres and hairdressers will be allowed to reopen while bars, pubs and restaurants can provide table service to customers in low-risk regions.

Depending on the tier, sports events can be attended by up to 4000 spectators outdoors.

The government is also planning to relax restrictions on private gatherings over Christmas to allow family members from several households to spend the holidays together.

Johnson is looking to coordinate these restrictions with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

England imposed a partial lockdown with far-reaching restrictions on public life on November 5 in an effort to curb infection rates that were rapidly increasing at the time.

In the UK, the number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the past seven days stood at 238.

Australian Associated Press