Social media rumours say London is about to go on lockdown (Picture: Getty Images)

Concerns are growing in London amid reports that the capital could be put on lockdown this weekend in the fight against coronavirus.

Voice notes, shared on WhatsApp and social media, claim to have intel from people in the armed forces and the police, stating that the government is pushing through a bill on Thursday to bring London to standstill.

The messages allege that the bill will introduce similar measures to those implemented in Italy, banning the public from moving freely unless their travel is essential. In one voice note, a male voice claims there will be a military presence in shops and even be fines for those who are outside their homes without reason.



A spokesperson for Downing Street told Metro.co.uk that the reports are just ‘speculation at this point’, and said the current advice from the Prime Minister had been laid out in his press conference on Monday.


Reports suggest a bill is being put forward tomorrow (Picture: AFP)

Quarantine rules could enforced in an Italy-style lockdown (Picture: AFP)

Mr Johnson did not rule out putting London on lockdown to slow the spread of the disease where it is currently at its most widespread.

‘We’ve always said that we are going to do the right measures at the right time,’ he said, when asked when the capital will be shut down.

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‘Actually I think a lot of people are taking a real heroic effort to comply with the advice we’ve given but as I’ve said tonight, and in the past few days, we keep everything under continuous review and we will not hesitate in bringing forward further and faster measures where we think that is necessary.’

They refused to confirm whether it was likely government advice would change in the coming days, but said as part of their ‘wider contingency planning’ they are ‘not ruling anything out’.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph has also reported that London is ‘bracing’ for an Italy-style lockdown, with sources close to the mayor’s office telling the publication that events and gatherings could be restricted in the coming days.

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It is reported that a ‘coronavirus bill’ will also allow the government powers to ‘close premises’ and restrict transport in the city. However, the source said Downing Street has not specified exactly ‘what form’ a shutdown of London will take.

Stats released yesterday show that London is worst affected by the UK’s coronavirus outbreak, with more than 620 cases and more than 25 deaths.

Reports of a lockdown on the capital have therefore sparked fears that Londoners will try and move across the UK before their travel is restricted, thus spreading the virus further.

London is already empty, with thousands of people working from home (Picture: PA)

Boris Johnson will speak again at a press conference today (Picture: AFP)

Today the Department of Health confirmed that there are now 2,626 known cases of Covid-19 in the country. So-far, 104 people have died from the virus.

Asked about the lockdown reports today, a spokesperson for the Mayor of London said they had not ‘seen or heard’ anything to suggest there were stricter restrictions due to be implemented.

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However, they noted that the advice from Downing Street could change, with further alterations to the transport network potentially in the pipeline.

Speaking about a potential lockdown during today’s press conference, Boris Johnson said the government would be doing the ‘right measures at the right time’.



He continued: ‘A lot of people are making real heroic efforts to comply with the advice given. But we are keeping everything under continuous review.

Boris Johnson said he ‘will not hesitate to bring in further and faster measures where necessary’ (Picture: PA)

‘We will not hesitate to bring in further and faster measures where necessary.’

The lockdown situation in Italy is currently still severe. Authorities have warned that anyone with the symptoms of Covid-19 who refuses to self-isolate could be charged with attempted murder.

Citizens have also been told they are not allowed to travel unless for pressing health or work reasons. They could face a hefty fine or even months in jail for breaking enforcement rules.

Violations include holding a funeral procession, keeping establishments open past 6pm or moving between towns without an ‘auto-certifying’ form, which gives the holder pre-approved permission to travel. Faking a form can also risk a six year jail sentence.

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