Scientific advisers are urging the Government to tell people to work from home until Christmas, reports claim.
Ministers have been warned to act now on Omicron to avoid a fourth covid wave, reports the Guardian.
The paper reports advisers have told the Government they cannot wait for new research on the Omicron and must take action now to prevent a 'very significant wave of infections' that risks overwhelming the NHS.
Minutes from the latest meeting of the Sage committee, which were released on Friday, show growing concern around the new variant.
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The documents say: "Even if measures are introduced immediately, there may not be time to fully ascertain whether they are sufficient before decisions are needed on further action."
It comes as 75 further cases of the Covid-19 Omicron variant have been identified in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
It brings the total number of confirmed cases in England to 104.
The individuals who have tested positive, and their contacts, have been asked to self-isolate, and work is under way to identify any links to travel, the UKHSA said.
Cases have now been identified in the East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West, South East, South West and West Midlands.
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Dr Jenny Harries, UKHSA chief executive, said: “Increased case detection through focused contact tracing has led to more cases of the Omicron variant being identified and confirmed, as we have seen in other countries globally.
“We are continuing to monitor the data closely. Teams nationally and locally are working at pace to identify and trace all close contacts of every Omicron case. It is critical that anyone with Covid-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately.
“We have started to see cases where there are no links to travel, suggesting that we have a small amount of community transmission. That’s why it’s so important that everybody, everywhere, takes simple steps to protect themselves from infection. Please wear face coverings in line with government guidance, let in fresh air when mixing indoors and wash your hands regularly.
“Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant so please get your first, second, third or booster jab as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities.”
Ireland will also reintroduce some Covid-19 restrictions for the Christmas period, following 'very stark' advice from health officials.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said a range of restrictions will be in place from December 7 to January 9, including the shuttering of nightclubs and new limits on household gatherings.
It comes amid concern about increased socialising at Christmas and the threat posed by the new Omicron variant of coronavirus.
In a national address on Friday, Mr Martin said: "The risks associated with proceeding into the Christmas period without some restrictions to reduce the volume of social contacts is just too high."
Among the measures taking effect from next Tuesday are the closure of nightclubs and strict social distancing requirements for bars and restaurants.
The rules will see the hospitality sector largely revert to the situation before October 22, with a maximum of six adults per table and no multiple table bookings.
Closing time, the Taoiseach said, remains midnight.
Mr Martin also said there will now be a maximum of 50% capacity at entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events, which must all be fully seated.
Use of the Covid-19 pass will also be extended to gyms, leisure centres and hotel bars and restaurants.
Visits to private homes, he said, should be limited to a maximum of three other households, although he acknowledged the need for 'flexibility'.
"My message this evening is a difficult one," he said.
"I understand and I share the disappointment and frustration this will cause for many of you."
Mr Martin said that the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, as well as extra socialising at Christmas, was a major cause for concern.
