England faces national lockdown next week under plans considered by Johnson

Boris Johnson is considering imposing stringent new lockdown restrictions in England (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Boris Johnson is considering imposing stringent new national lockdown restrictions within days after scientists warned that half a million people were being infected with coronavirus each week.

The British Prime Minister is expected to announce the measures for England – which could be introduced on Wednesday and last until December 1 – at a press conference on Monday, according to The Times.