London could face coronavirus lockdown with restrictions on leaving homes

Authorities are considering putting London on coronavirus lockdown with extra travel restrictions for Brits as the deadly disease has continued to spread rapidly in the capital. 

Sources close to City Hall disclosed to The Sun that the Government is preparing fresh legislation to give them the power to stop gatherings and keep Londoners inside.

The insiders also claimed that the measures would stop Londoners from leaving their homes but will only permit them to go to the supermarket or pharmacy. 

Downing Street said today that ministers could use existing laws to keep individuals “in isolation for their own safety” and the emergency powers could come as early as Friday, though sources stressed the plans were not imminent.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that the virus was spreading faster in London than other parts of the country

A spokesperson said: “We have set out the steps necessary at this point in time. But we will be guided by the scientific and medical advice to make sure we take the right steps at the right time.

“We will do whatever it is required to keep the public safe.”

London is the worst affected area in the UK with 621 cases and 25 deaths. In total, there are 2,626 cases in the country.