This is what a 'circuit breaker' lockdown could look like - and its chances of success

Reports suggest that the government may introduce a "circuit breaker" lockdown as soon as Tuesday in an effort to control the spread of coronavirus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted last week that the UK is now seeing a "second wave" of coronavirus coming in, with localised lockdown measures now affecting around 13.5 million people - over one in five of the UK's population.

And earlier today, Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance warned that “if we do too little, this virus will go out of control.”

Though the government has dismissed the prospect of a second national lockdown, it's rumoured that they may implement a national two-week "circuit breaker" lockdown in an effort to stem the growing spread of infections.

What is a 'circuit breaker' lockdown?

A "circuit breaker" lockdown would likely involve a two-week long national lockdown in which certain businesses would be regulated or closed.

Pubs, restaurants, bars and leisure facilities would be closed or regulated, while socialising between households would be banned.

Travel would be limited to essential purposes only.