A ban on household mixing could reportedly return as part of "Plan C" restrictions if Covid cases get out of control this winter.
Officials in government are said to be discussing proposals for a clamp down on socialising, which could form part of a “Plan C” if booster jabs don't bring the virus under control by Christmas.
People are also to be urged to take Covid tests before Christmas gatherings with family and friends.
Health Minister Edward Argar said it wasn't "being actively considered" but the Government would always look at ways to prevent the virus spiralling out of control, the Mirror reports.
The Government drew up a list of "Plan B" contingency measures as part of efforts to manage Covid this winter, which includes a return to mandatory face masks, working from home and vaccine passports.
But despite rising cases, Health Secretary Sajid Javid has resisted calls to implement the measures.
Mr Javid told a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday October 20 that the Government was focusing on getting unvaccinated Brits to come forward for their jabs and rolling out booster shots.
But he warned if people fail to "do their bit" restrictions will be "more likely" in the future.
Officials in the Cabinet Office’s Covid taskforce are already discussing proposals which could form part of a potential “Plan C”, which would see mixing between households banned, according to the Telegraph.
A Whitehall source said: “The focus is very much on measures that can be taken without a major economic impact, so keeping shops, pubs and restaurants open but looking at other ways to reduce the risks.”
The discussions are said to be at an 'early stage,' with insiders saying it formed part of contingency planning and would not be added to Plan B, or automatically introduced if Plan B was enacted but didn't work.
The ban would be implemented if pressure on hospitals worsens.
It comes after the UK recorded a seven-month high in Covid deaths on Tuesday, October 19, with fatalities up by more than 21% in a week.
Mr Javid urged Brits to consider meeting up outdoors and also wearing masks in crowded places to prevent a further spike in cases.
He said people should consider taking Covid tests before meeting up with friends and family at parties over the festive season.
If they must meet indoors, he added, people should open windows in order to let in fresh air.
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