Liverpool city region is expected to go into the highest tier of England’s new lockdown system and the measures could last up to six months, Sky News understands.
Pubs, bars, gyms, casinos and bookmakers are expected to close on Wednesday, while restaurants, schools and universities are set to remain open.
Local leaders have been in dialogue with central government and have asked for a monthly review of the situation.
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The prime minister will chair a top level COBRA committee meeting today “to determine the final interventions” and will then unveil the new three-tier system in parliament later.
What we know about the three-tier COVID-19 restrictions
Steve Rotheram, the mayor of Liverpool city region, said a deal had not yet been reached, suggesting measures could still vary from those which are expected.
He said: “Since Friday, myself, and the leaders of our local councils have been in dialogue with the government.
“Government have been clear from the start that they plan on placing the Liverpool city region in tier 3 and plan on announcing this tomorrow [Monday].
Image: People in Liverpool were out on Saturday night, ahead of the expected new restrictions
“Whilst we have asked for the evidence to support that decision, none has been forthcoming.
“Throughout, we have been clear that new restrictions must come with the financial support to protect local jobs and businesses.
“No agreement has yet been reached on this point and negotiations are ongoing. As in all these things, the devil will be in the detail. A deal is not a deal until it is agreed.”
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Liverpool recorded the second-highest infection rate in the country in the two weeks to 4 October.
There were 4,593 confirmed cases, or 928.2 per 100,000 people.
The neighbouring council area of Knowsley was top, with 1,412 cases and an infection rate of 944.
Manchester is also likely to be in the highest tier of restrictions when the new system comes in.
Five of its MPs have warned the prime minister about the “devastating impact” of shutting businesses such as pubs.
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In a letter, they said “jobs, livelihoods and businesses” would be damaged and that it would lead to more illegal gatherings.
The proposed system is expected to see different parts of England put in different categories, with areas in the highest level facing the toughest measures.
It could affect millions in the north and comes amid mounting concern over the number of coronavirus cases and intensive care capacity at hospitals.
The Manchester MPs’ letter was sent by Lucy Powell, Jeff Smith, Mike Kane, Afzal Khan and Graham Stringer.
They argued that a big proportion of cases were among students and confined to halls of residence.
They also said hospitality firms “constitute a very small proportion of infection rates” so authorities want powers to close individual companies that aren’t safe.
Leaders across northern England have criticised the plans, which they say have been drawn up without consulting them from the outset.
They have also not ruled out legal action and say the new financial help announced by the chancellor this week is not good enough.
The scheme will cover two-thirds of pay for people at businesses forced to shut due to the stricter rules.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has rejected claims of a lack of consultation.
He told Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday that the government had been “designing” restrictions for COVID-19 hotspots “in conjunction with people who know those places best”.
Asked on what basis areas will move between tiers, he said people would need to “wait to see what the PM says” but that a range of factors had been considered.
Cases per 100,000 are “significant” but also hospitalisations and the nature of infections, said Mr Jenrick.
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“Though the number of cases is rising rapidly across the country there are still huge variations,” he added.
“If you go to North Norfolk the latest statistics showed that the number of cases is around 19, if you go to Manchester it’s well over 500.
“So, it is right that we pursue a localised approach.
“That must be the way forward because none of us want to see a return to blanket national measures – that would be the alternative.”
Latest coronavirus figures reported on Sunday recorded 12,872 more cases and 65 deaths.
It is a slight fall from Saturday, when there were 15,166 cases and 81 deaths.
It comes after England’s deputy chief medical officer warned the country was at “a tipping point similar to where we were in March“.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam urged people to stick to key social distancing and hygiene measures to keep transmission low and stop the NHS being overwhelmed.