This is how lockdown happened in other countries - and what restrictions Britain might face as coronavirus pandemic deepens

The UK government is currently advising Britons to avoid unnecessary social contact and travel amid the coronavirus pandemic, but a full lockdown has not been ruled out, the Prime Minister has said.

MPs are returning to parliament to debate the government’s emergency Coronavirus Bill before it goes to the House of Lords, which could see the UK locked down and forced into self-isolation “very soon”.

The Commons debate comes following a warning from Boris Johnson that the UK is heading towards a lockdown, after urgent appeals to the public to stay indoors were largely ignored over the weekend.

A number of countries have already enforced lockdown in an effort to stem the spread of the virus, including China, Italy and France.

What enforcements have other countries imposed?

In preparation for a potential UK lockdown, here are some of the enforcements that have been imposed in other countries around the world that have been worst affected by the virus outbreak.

Wuhan, China

Wuhan in China, where coronavirus is said to have originated, imposed what is probably the most extreme lockdown so far, with all journeys in and out of the city banned - even for those medical or humanitarian reasons.

Public transport in the city was suspended and private cars were barred from the roads in most circumstances.

Most citizens live in residential blocks or compounds and were faced with barred visits, with only inhabitants, authorities, or carers helping the elderly or disable permitted access.

Schools and universities were already closed for the lunar new year, but this holiday was extended, and most shops were also shut, with only pharmacies and supermarkets kept open.

Residents were only permitted to leave their homes to pick up essential supplies or seek medical help - and those who did leave were required to wear a mask.