The Government has put "contingency plans" for further lockdowns in place in case the NHS becomes overrun, it has been revealed.
The majority of Covid restrictions were lifted in England on July 19 - which was dubbed 'Freedom Day' by some.
But it has now emerged that social distancing rules could be reinforced over winter if doctors and nurses are put under pressure.
A source told the i that ministers and experts remain confident that the vaccine roll-out has broken the back of the pandemic.
But they said that Boris Johnson has authorised planning for a "firebreak" lockdown, for if the situation worsens.
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It is thought that a staffing crisis within the NHS and the rise of other diseases - previously beaten back by Covid restrictions - could hamper the health service, along with the potential rise of a vaccine-beating strain.
But a government advisor told the outlet: "Should more lockdowns be necessary, the plan is for them to be short, and preferably during the school holidays in late October and over Christmas.
"Firebreaks rather than lasting for months at a time."
No.10 confirmed contingency plans were in place and did not rule out the prospect of further lockdowns.
A spokesperson said: "As a responsible Government, we have to be prepared to respond to unexpected events as the country learns to live with Covid-19.
"As part of our strategy to manage the virus, it is both right and sensible that we maintain contingency plans for reimposing restrictions at a local, regional or national level if evidence suggests they are necessary.
"As set out in guidance, we will continue to monitor the data on a regular basis to ensure there is no danger of the NHS facing unsustainable pressure."
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The news emerged on Friday, after Britain recorded a rise in Covid cases for the third day in a row.
Official statistics showed that 31,808 tested positive in the last 24 hours.
A further 92 deaths were recorded over the same time period.
But in its snapshot of the level of infection for the week to July 31, the Office for National Statistics survey showed that the estimated number of people in England testing positive for Covid-19 has dropped for the first time since the end of May.
