Almost two million people in north-east England will be banned from mixing with other households and pubs will close early as coronavirus cases rise.

Axar.az informs that, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the temporary restrictions will be in place from midnight due to "concerning rates of infection".

The measures affect seven council areas including Newcastle, Sunderland, South Tyneside and Gateshead.

"The data says that we must act now," Mr Hancock told the House of Commons.

He said Sunderland currently had an infection rate of 103 cases per 100,000 people, while in South Tyneside, Gateshead and Newcastle the figures are all above 70.

The government was taking "swift action" after concerns were raised by the councils covering the affected areas, he said.