The Government is likely to keep weddings and funerals free from any new Covid restrictions even if they are forced to step up measures to tackle Omicron, according to reports.
The exemption reportedly will apply even if the latest data Omicron makes Downing Street decide to limit the number of people that can meet indoors in general life.
Ministers are looking to avoid disruption to “significant life events”, which previously saw guests and mourners limited and social distancing enforced, The Times reported.
Boris Johnson is due to be presented with the latest Covid data on Monday as he weighs up whether to impose fresh restrictions on England to stem the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus before New Year’s Eve.
New measures have already come into force in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland but ministers have so far swerved dictating new rules to those in England.
Instead they have hoped warnings would encourage people to self-police their own behaviour and cut down on social contacts.
The Prime Minister is expected to be briefed by Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty – who is reportedly likely to receive a knighthood for his pandemic efforts – and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.
If the figures are positive, Mr Johnson could be persuaded to stick to lighter touch measures introduced under Plan B - potentially with some extra words of guidance.
It is understood school closures are not being considered by ministers for January.
