Dramatic language could be used in hard-hitting new anti-coronavirus adverts, warning that going for a coffee could kill.

A national campaign is to be unveiled within days as the Government eyes tougher restrictions amid a surge in infections.

It is believed one of the slogans being considered is “Don’t let a coffee cost a life”, with another message in the campaign reading “Covid takes the train too”.

The move is aimed at presenting a stark message to the public to try to ensure compliance with tough lockdown measures as Britain battles mutant strains of the disease.

Public Health and Wellbeing boss at Blackburn with Darwen Council, Cllr Damian Talbot said the Government should not be terrifying people with messages, but they do have a responsibility for what information is provided to the public.

Cllr Talbot said: "What's important at the moment are the current lockdown measures that are in place.

"The Government have implemented these measures and people are aware of what they can and cannot do.

"Takeaways are allowed to open, and if the Government decides to introduce new measures then we would expect people to abide by them.

"It's been extremely difficult for businesses and the message is important and I would like to think the vast majority of people understand the need for such measures.

"At the end of the day people are allowed to access shops and businesses that are open, as long as they are not breaking the rules.

"We are seeing a levelling off of cases now and the vaccine rollout is being ramped up in Blackburn with Darwen, and the number of people being vaccinated will start to increase within the next few weeks.

"The message is important, but we don't want to be terrifying people with these messages, but the Government has to take responsibility for public health and that's their role."

The campaign comes as the number of outbreaks of Covid-19 reported to Public Health England (PHE) surveillance teams in the seven days to January 10 from food outlets and restaurants was just 18, up from just 11 the previous week.

However, this compares with 977 suspected outbreaks in care homes in the same period.

The data does not show a full picture of where coronavirus transmission is happening.

The most up-to-date PHE data shows 243 suspected outbreaks in workplaces in the same time frame, 78 in hospitals, and 31 in educational settings such as schools.

Suzanne Halliwell who runs Dolly's Tearoom in Darwen said she is in support of any new measures but insists the Government need to provide a roadmap for businesses like hers to emerge from the current crisis.

Ms Halliwell said: "Businesses like Dollys are closed now because of the absolute nonsensical approach this Government had to lockdown last year.

"They gave us eat out to help out in August and within weeks we saw the virus spread again.

"We took the decision to close Dolly’s altogether for a month in January as we think that was the right thing to do to help stop the spread of the virus, but we really need to see a plan for how businesses like ours are going to recover and remain at the heart and soul of our communities and providing jobs for local people.

"People need to be sensible and I completely support the approach that says only go out if absolutely necessary.”