Lancashire is to enter Tier 3 lockdown restrictions but Manchester is still resisting the plans with city leaders accusing No10 of trying to make the north a "sacrificial lamb."
The entire county will enter restrictions at midnight on Friday after tense meetings between council leaders, mayors and ministers.
Local reports suggest that pubs and bars not serving food are set to close, but gyms and leisure centres will stay open.
Casinos, bingo halls, bookmakers and betting shops, and soft play areas will also be asked to close.