The Government is said to be planning a two-week circuit breaker after Christmas, in a bid to halt the spread of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
According to The Times newspaper, the rules will be a crushing blow to an already-suffering hospitality industry, but shops and schools will be allowed to stay open.
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Here are the rules that are expected to be announced:
1. Indoor mixing banned
Indoor mixing could be banned under the proposals, meaning that families will not be able to see each other after Christmas.
It also raises questions over couples seeing each other if they live apart.
2. Pubs and restaurants outdoors only
The hospitality industry, which is already suffering in the run-up to Christmas, faces having to open outdoors only after Christmas.
This means that many city centre sites without outdoor spaces are simply unable to serve customers.
3. Rule of 6 outdoors to return
Although pubs and restaurants will be allowed to keep their outdoor seating open, customers could be forced to limit their contacts to six outdoors.
In January, given the weather, this is a far from ideal scenario for millions.
4. Schools and shops will remain open
The good news for parents is that schools won't be affected by the lockdown and should reopen as normal after Christmas.
Similarly, the retail sector won't be impacted either - with shops, both essential and non essential, allowed to keep operating., although it is believed the indoor mixing rules will still apply to shopping trips.
