Northern Ireland is facing further coronavirus restrictions as figures continue to surge.

Stormont Ministers will meet at 6pm this evening to discuss tighter restrictions.

The North entered a six-week lockdown on St Stephen’s Day; however, daily figures are still extremely high – with 1,801 new cases announced this afternoon.

First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill will discuss the situation across the UK with Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove before joining the meeting this evening.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon this afternoon announced that a lockdown would come into force across the country form midnight tonight.

The rules will include a legal requirement for people to stay at home, except for essential reasons, for the rest of January.

Schools will also remain closed for the rest of the month.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to address the nation at 8pm this evening amid calls for a third national lockdown in England.

Earlier, he warned there was 'no question' but that tougher measures would be required.

“The crucial thing is to recognise is that we have a new variant that is requiring extra-special vigilance and we will do everything we can to keep the virus under control,” he said.

“People should be in no doubt that we will do everything that is necessary.”

The North announced 12 further coronavirus-related deaths this afternoon, alongside the 1,801 new cases.

Some 527 people are in hospital with the virus in Northern Ireland and 39 people are in intensive care.