Ministers are looking at slashing the 10-day Covid isolation period to seven days for people testing negative for the virus.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid is understood to be pressing hard for a reduction in the time people have to self isolate if it is considered safe by medics.
Under the plans, people would be released from isolation if they get negative lateral flow tests on day six and seven.
Crucial advice from scientists is expected imminently, with new rules expected to come into force this week if it is deemed safe.
It is hoped the move would curb the threat of staff shortages across the NHS and a number of key industries.
Currently, anyone who tests positive for Covid must isolate for 10 days regardless of the vaccination status.
Rules were relaxed for double jabbed close contacts, who are instead told to take a daily lateral flow test for seven days.
Anyone who isn't fully vaccinated must still isolate for 10 days if they come into contact with a positive case.
Downing Street did not rule out reducing the self-isolation period at a briefing for journalists on Monday.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We will keep anything like that on the isolation period under review based on the latest clinical advice and we would update if that were to change."
It comes as Boris Johnson was considering imposing new Covid curbs before the New Year to tackle spiralling cases in England.
The PM is not expected to announce new restrictions before Christmas but ministers are still waiting for crucial data on the Omicron variant.
Cabinet Office Minister Steve Barclay said today that people across the UK should have a "cautious" Christmas - but festivities should go ahead.
He told LBC: "We are saying to people that they should continue with Christmas but do so in a cautious way. That is what I will be doing with my own family.
"We can all protect our families and friends by having the booster."
When asked what a cautious Christmas is, he added: "I think it is thinking about how many people we need to see. Some of my family won't be coming over at Christmas. My wife's parents will be joining us but others will not."
