Experts have warned the new Omicron variant could be dominant in the UK by mid-December with one million infections by the end of the month.
The warning comes after research by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found that the AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines provided “much lower” levels of stopping the new variant.
However, preliminary data found that effectiveness seemed to “increase considerably” after a booster dose - giving around 70 to 75 pc protection against symptomatic infection.
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But Michael Gove has warned of the potential of more restrictions coming soon - as reports emerged on Friday of Boris Johnson 'considering Plan C restrictions, which could include having to check in with the NHS Covid App into pubs and table service.
Health officials have also called for stringent restrictions within a week to avoid the Omicron variant overwhelming the NHS, leaked documents show.
And while Mr Gove said the current approach was “proportionate”, he acknowledged that “we absolutely do need to keep everything under review”.
He said: “Action is absolutely required and, as new data comes in, we will consider what action we do require to take in the face of that data.”
It comes after daily coronavirus cases have reached their highest level in almost a year and the UKHSA predicted that, if current trends continue, the UK will exceed one million infections by the end of the month.
Coronavirus infection rates have again gone up in all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, according to the latest data.
Some 2,263 positive cases were recorded across the county on Monday, the highest daily total in five months.
Three cases of the newly identified Omicron variant have also found in Trafford.
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At a Cobra meeting on Friday afternoon, cabinet minister Michael Gove warned the UK’s situation was “deeply concerning”.
The Government said, as of 9am on Friday, there had been a further 58,194 lab-confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK.
The last time a higher daily figure was reported was on January 9, when 59,937 cases were recorded.
Speaking to broadcasters, Mr Gove said the Omicron variant is doubling every two to three days in England “and possibly even faster in Scotland”.
He added that 30 pc of reported cases in London are the new variant, and warned that evidence suggests Omicron is “more likely” than past Covid variants to “potentially” lead to hospital admissions among the fully vaccinated.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the UKHSA, said while their early data should be treated with caution, it indicates that “a few months after the second jab, there is a greater risk of catching the Omicron variant compared to Delta strain”.
She added: “The data suggest this risk is significantly reduced following a booster vaccine, so I urge everyone to take up their booster when eligible.”
There will be a return to working from home guidance from Monday, and mandatory Covid passports for large venues from Wednesday.
The new regulations will be put to a debate and vote in the Commons next week – and with Labour’s support they are certain to be approved despite the prospect of a large Conservative revolt.
Asked about the expected Tory rebellion, Mr Gove said he is “confident” people will examine the proposals “seriously, soberly and thoughtfully”, adding: “And I’m also confident people will conclude that, on balance, it is right to act.”
Health officials have advised “stringent national measures” are needed by next weekend in order to avoid a peak of Covid hospitalisations, similar to numbers seen last winter, according to a leaked document.
