Is the UK set for lockdown? When Sheffield could face tighter restrictions over coronavirus crisis

With other countries already enforcing a total lockdown to try to halt the spread of Covid-19, there is speculation that the government could follow suit but as yet plans have not been announced.

The government has closed schools from this afternoon and is urging people to avoid mass gatherings in venues including pubs and restaurants.

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Amid speculation that tighter restrictions could be imposed in London, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister and his advisers have set out the need for social distancing measures to limit the spread of the virus to protect lives.

“What we are focused on is ensuring that as many people as possible take that advice and don't unnecessarily put themselves in the position where they could be spreading coronavirus.”

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Asked if pubs and some shops could be ordered to close, the spokesman said: “We do want people to follow the advice which we have given in relation to limiting unnecessary social contact.”

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the Government was looking at ‘what extra measures’ can be taken to slow the spread of coronavirus.

He told BBC Breakfast: “It is an evolving situation, we're constantly looking at the scientific and medical advice.

“Every step that the Government has taken over the last few weeks has been about addressing the core issue about the spread of this virus and the Government will always be looking at what extra measures it can do to slow that down.

“But, as the Prime Minister stated, currently there aren't plans to do that but you've got to keep these issues continuously under review.”

Boris Johnson has insisted there is ‘no prospect’ of grinding the capital's public transport to a halt or telling Londoners they cannot go to work amid fears a lockdown is going to be imposed.

The Prime Minister said there is evidence that Londoners are heeding the advice on social distancing but did not rule out ministers taking more drastic action if necessary.

Mr Johnson was acting to allay fears in the capital on Thursday after a day earlier he said nothing had been ruled out when asked if the city was going to be shut down.

The disease's spread and the death toll it brings are at their most aggressive in London, with experts saying it is weeks ahead than other regions in terms of Covid-19's progress.

The PM acknowledged there had been some ‘misunderstanding’ over his plans but ruled out enforcing some draconian measures.

“There is no prospect of us wanting to stop public transport in London or stop the Tube or the buses,” he told his daily coronavirus press conference.

He added that ministers are ‘not going to be telling people that under no circumstances’ can they go to work ‘if they really need to’.

“We are going to want people to avoid gatherings where they can transmit the disease, we're absolutely emphatic to do that. If it becomes necessary to do more to ensure that, we will certainly do so,” he added.

Evidence that social distancing is working in London comes from the retail and hospitality sector as well as Transport for London (TfL), the PM said.

But in some areas, he added, there is evidence to suggest abidance to the advice is ‘very patchy’, with some still socialising in bars and restaurants.

The PM's official spokesman also said there was ‘zero prospect’ of restrictions being placed on people travelling in or out of London.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the PM met on Thursday for talks described as positive and businesslike, with both recognising the massive scale of the crisis they were facing.

Mr Khan suggested further restrictions could be imposed on Londoners as he pleaded with them to follow the advice.

In a direct message to the capital's residents, he said: “I can't say this clearly enough: people should not be travelling by any means unless they absolutely must.

“The scientific advice on this is very clear: Londoners should be avoiding social interaction unless absolutely necessary and this includes avoiding using the transport network.”

Senior officials in Government insisted that the kind of measures banning travel which have been imposed in France and Italy would not be coming to the UK.

“There is not going to be any point where there are border guards stood around London saying ‘you can't come in or out’,” a source said.

“That's not the sort of country we are.”

CORONAVIRUS: THE FACTS:

- What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

- What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

- How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

- What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

- What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

- Should I avoid public places?

The advice now is to avoid public places and any non-essential travel. Travel abroad is also being advised against for the next 30 days at least, and many European countries have closed their borders.

- What should I do if I feel unwell?

Don’t go to your GP but instead call NHS 111 or look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.

- When to call NHS 111

NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS