Coronavirus news – live: Restaurants prepare for ‘eat out to help out’ scheme as government insists schools will reopen in September

Elderly people could reportedly be asked to shield again, while London could face tougher lockdown restrictions as part of a government blueprint to avoid a second coronavirus wave.

Boris Johnson held a "war game" session with chancellor Rishi Sunak on Wednesday to run through possible options for averting another nationwide lockdown that could stall any potential economic recovery, The Sunday Times reports.

A greater number of people would be asked to take part in the shielding programme, based on their age or particular risk factors that have been identified since March, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

Other ideas floated include restricting travel beyond the M25 to stop people travelling in and out of the capital and putting an end to overnight stays at other people's houses.