Boris Johnson is reportedly considering introducing "step two" Covid restrictions after Christmas.
The Prime Minister held a two hour meeting with the Cabinet today amid the growing threat of the Omicron variant as Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) warned covid deaths could rise to 6,000 a day without extra measures
Mr Johnson ruled out immediately implementing new coronavirus restrictions, but warned data is being monitored "hour-by-hour" and the government would introduce new measures if necessary.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson rules out immediately implementing new coronavirus restrictions
Whitehall insiders have suggested the PM was considering a circuit breaker lockdown which would come into force after December 25 - as Mirror Online reports.
Sources said Mr Johnson was considering putting England back into step two restrictions for between two weeks and one month from December 27.
This could be delayed to the following day as the government would need to give MPs, who Mr Johnson has promised would get a vote, time to get back to Westminster.
However, one Whitehall source stressed that the plan was "not decided yet" and the PM could yet be swayed by scientists or his own Tory backbenchers.
The government could, however, announce informal guidance ahead of Christmas advising households not to mix.
Once source admitted that guidelines, rather than formal restrictions, were "entirely possible" in the coming days.
But scientists have called for new restrictions to be brought in as soon as possible to prevent the health service being overwhelmed.
Under the plans on the table, households would be banned from mixing socially indoors and outdoor gatherings limited to the rule of six or two households.
Bars, pubs and restaurants would be closed indoors and restricted to table service for those serving alcohol.
Foreign holidays would be banned although travel abroad for legally permitted reasons would still be allowed.
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