These are the measures the UK government is considering to avoid a second lockdown

The second lockdown being considered would look very different from the first, but would have a similar impact on vast swathes of the population.

As reported by The Times, a number of proposals are under consideration as Boris Johnson seeks to avoid a repeat of the national lockdown, a move he recently described as the "nuclear" option.

Here's everything you need to know:

What are the new proposals?

Under the new proposals, millions of people aged between 50 and 70 could be given ‘personalised risk ratings’, taking into consideration factors such as age and health conditions.

Those deemed vulnerable could be asked to shield themselves in the event of an outbreak.

Other proposals include localised lockdowns for London, which would see travel restricted beyond the M25 in the event of an escalation in the number of new cases.

Less drastic plans include a ban on guests staying in households that are not their own.

Measures like this have already been reintroduced in places like Leicester and parts of north-west England, where local lockdowns have been imposed.

Will there be a second lockdown?

Boris Johnson has warned that the UK must “be vigilant” amid the threat of a second wave of coronavirus, and is reportedly “extremely concerned” that there could be a spike in infections in the UK within two weeks.

His concerns come following recent surges on the continent, and in particular