Boris Johnson is set to cancel Christmas for people in the south east when he holds a press conference this afternoon amid growing concern over a new strain of the coronavirus spreading in the south east.

The Cabinet met this lunchtime to discuss the mutation of the virus and the troubling increase in infection rates, both in Kent and beyond, just days before the planned easing of restrictions for the Christmas holidays.

Earlier England’s Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, confirmed the newly-identified mutation of the virus does appear to be spreading faster that previous strains, and work is ongoing to assess its danger to those infected.

According to the Times, The Prime Minister will announce London, South East and East areas move into new Tier 4 with a stay “stay at home” message by law.

It is understood only Christmas bubbles will be allowed for Tiers 1 to 3 on Xmas Day with a message to stay local.

The Prime Minister is expected to address the nation alongside Prof Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance at 4pm.

Kent remains in Tier 3 today - the highest level of measures designed to combat the spread of Covid-19 - but despite this there seems to be no sign that infection rates are being contained.

Latest figures published by Kent County Council show there are currently 597 weekly cases per 100,000 people across the county, with Swale the worst-affected area with a rate of 792.9.

The national rate for England currently stands at 251.2.

Meetings in Whitehall have been taking place to discuss how to tackle the rising number of cases in Kent, thought to be linked to the new strain of the virus.

It is thought new restrictions will being imposed on travel or banning people from commuting in and out of London, according to the Telegraph.

The South East could, in effect, be cut off from the rest of the UK to stop the more infectious mutant strain spreading further across the country.

Scientists say there is a possibility that this variant of the virus could have a "transmission advantage", a significant concern ahead of the festive period when there is expected to be an increase in households mixing indoors - ideal conditions for increased spread of the disease.

To read everything we know so far about what new rules could be enforced, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent