Casinos and bowling alleys will remain shut, as Boris Johnson said it was time to “squeeze the brake pedal”.

Face coverings will be mandatory in more indoor settings, such as cinemas.

England’s chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, warned the UK may have hit its limits on easing restrictions.

Appearing alongside the prime minister at a special Downing Street briefing, Prof Whitty said the “idea that we can open up everything and keep the virus under control” is wrong.