Sajid Javid has said the new coronavirus rules will be reviewed after three weeks in force - just a few days before Christmas.
The health secretary suggested that the new measures announced in response to the Omicron variant could be lifted before Christmas, unless research suggests it is more dangerous than the Delta variant.
Speaking during an address in the House of Commons this afternoon (Monday, November 29), he told MPs: "Scientists are working at speed at home and abroad to determine whether this variant is more dangerous.
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"I can assure the House that if it emerges that this variant is no more dangerous than the Delta variant, then we won't keep measures in place for a day longer than necessary."
Mr Javid said although research into the new variant is ongoing, the latest indication is that it "spreads very rapidly" and that the effectiveness of existing vaccines "may be impacted".
However, he added that it is "highly unlikely they will have no effectiveness at all against serious disease".
Mandatory face mask rules come back into force tomorrow (Tuesday, November 30) in shops and on public transport in response to the variant, while other changes include an expansion of the booster jab programme, and tougher rules on travel and self-isolation.
Mr Javid said MPs will be able to debate and vote on the face mask rules and confirmed that "we'll be reviewing all of these measures after three weeks to see if they are still necessary".
If the review takes place exactly three weeks after they commence the date will be December 21.
Five cases of the variant have been identified in England so far and six in Scotland, and the health secretary predicted that this figure will rise in the coming days.
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He said the country is in a better position than it was when it faced the Delta variant, with more people double-jabbed.
The MP continued: "Covid-19 is not going away, and so we have to keep seeing new variants emerge.
"If we want to live with the virus for the long-term, we must follow the evidence and act in a proportionate and responsible way if a variant has the potential to thwart our progress.
"As we do this, we are taking a well-rounded view looking at not just at the impact of the virus, but the impact to the economy, to education and non-covid health such as mental health.
"I'm confident these responses are balanced and responsible steps that are proportionate to the threat that we face."
He urged people to comply with the new rules and get their jabs when offered, and "come together once again to keep this virus at bay".
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