Fears that London and the rest of the country are on the verge of a coronavirus lockdown continue, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson slowly escalates new measures to deal with the pandemic in the UK.

Mr Johnson has already advised that people should work from home where possible, and avoid mass gatherings.

Countries like China and Italy have already implemented lockdowns to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The new disease first appeared in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

And a few months after the lockdown model was implemented, the approach seems to have given results.

But what is a coronavirus lockdown? And what do the government plans mean for you?

What is a coronavirus lockdown? What government plans could mean for you

Here we explore.

What is a lockdown?

A lockdown is an emergency protocol that usually prevents people or information from leaving an area.

This is usually initiated by someone in power, or a position of authority.

What would a full lockdown mean?

It’s not yet known how a full lockdown would look, as nothing has been officially announced.

However, it has already been announced that schools will close from Friday until “further notice”.

GSCEs, A levels and SATs, which normally take place in May and June, are on hold for the time being.

The public are advised not to attend social gatherings

Up to 40 London Underground stations to help delay the surge of the virus.

The government has also announced that up to 10,000 military personnel will be on standby throughout the UK in order to maintain public services in the coming months.

And The Telegraph reported that sources close to the mayor’s office said gatherings and events could be restricted.

A source close to City Hall told The Sun that the government is planning on placing London, the worst affected area in the country, on lockdown first.

It is believed bars and restaurants will be closed, and Londoners will only be able to go to the supermarket or pharmacy.

Mr Johnson has said they will not rule anything out and “we will certainly wish to consider bringing forward further and faster measures where that is necessary”.

Italy’s lockdown includes the closure of cinemas, theatres, gyms and pubs.

In addition, schools and universities are remaining closed until April 3.

In France non-essential movements have been banned, apart from travelling to work and shipping for essential items.

Exceptions have also been made for “imperative family reasons”.

Meanwhile China implemented strict quarantine measures on January 23, which have slowly lifted now.