Aerials of UK seaside town quiet amid lockdown

The popular British seaside city of Brighton was quiet on Wednesday, amid a nationwide lockdown imposed by the government to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.

The normally crowded Brighton Beach appeared empty, however, footage from British broadcaster ITN showed a few people seated on blankets near the ocean.

The government's measures, which came into effect on March 23, requires people to stay at home - except for limited purposes such as going to the supermarket to shop for basic necessities, or visiting a doctor or pharmacy.

People are also allowed to go outside to exercise once a day.

Britons have been told that they must comply with the measures, and police have been given powers to enforce them, including through fines.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those with mild or no visible symptoms.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.