Government officials have once again denied stories that ministers are planning to start a national lockdown again from 18 September.

The original reports in English and French-language newspapers cited two unnamed members of parliament as sources and caused widespread speculation across social media.

Speaking this week, Fernando Simón, head of the government's emergency health planning, described the story as a "hoax", saying, "I've no information nor have I been in any discussions or meetings where this subject has been mentioned."

The government is saying it is working to avoid lockdown via its other preventative measures.