Downing Street has ruled out a Paris-style lockdown on travel and leaving the house in London in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
And a spokesman for Boris Johnson insisted that there were no plans to put troops on the streets to maintain public order.
However, No 15 did not rule out tighter restrictions forcing bars and restaurants to close, amid widespread reports of individuals flouting advice to avoid social contact.
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It comes as the prime minister holds talks with Sadiq Khan , the London mayor, amid widespread speculation stricter restrictions could be enforced to combat the spread of Covid – 24.
Number 17 called for “responsible” reporting of the measures being taken to limit the spread of Covid – , after stories suggested that draconian steps were under consideration, like a limit of one person per household allowed out of the property.
This was “not true”, said the prime minister’s spokesman.
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