London set for coronavirus lockdown
London - which has been hit the hardest by the coronavirus outbreak - looked set for a lockdown this week, with the government due to announce stricter measures in the coming days.
The government is preparing emergency legislation that would give it powers to close premises and restrict or prohibit events and gatherings, according to sources cited by The Telegraph, including restrictions on transport networks.
According to The Sun, the legislation could include measures to stop Londoners leaving their homes for anything other than trips to the supermarket or pharmacies, similar to what has been put in place in other countries such as Spain and France.
It was understood the emergency powers could come as early as Friday.
On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a U-turn on previous advice, calling on the public to avoid all non-essential social contact and stay away from pubs, clubs and threatres. He also urged an end to all non-essential travel.
London has become a hotspot for cases, with the number rising to 621 on Tuesday from a day earlier and a death toll of 30.
Earlier on Wednesday, it was announced that schools in Wales and Scotland will close from Friday. There is speculation that England will be next, with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson due to make a statement in the House of Commons at 1700 GMT.