What's the difference between Covid winter Plan A and Plan B?

By Saffron Otter

Increasing hospital admissions could trigger the government's Plan B for tackling coronavirus in winter, the Health Secretary has said.

Sajid Javid defended not bringing in more stringent measures now, saying vaccines, boosters and new treatments offer “a very strong” package of tools at present.

He denied the UK is in the same position as this time last year, saying the “big, big difference” is that vaccines are offering a strong line of defence against Covid-19.

But what is the difference between Plan A and Plan B?

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Plan A

Mr Javid told MPs that the five pillar plan is a "comprehensive plan to steer the country through autumn and winter".

It includes:

Booster jabs for over-50s and vulnerable - more here on who is eligible.
Offering the vaccine to 12 to 15-year-olds
Development of new antiviral treatments
Continued NHS Test and Trace and free PCR tests and lateral flow tests
NHS frontline and social care staff 'highly likely' to be vaccinated as a condition of deployment
Encouraging people to meet outdoors where possible and let in fresh air indoors
Wearing masks in crowded spaces
Biggest flu jab rollout
Supporting the global effort for vaccination and maintaining border defences
International travel rules to be announced later

Plan A includes keeping NHS Test and Trace in operation (Getty Images)

Plan B

Sajid Javid announced there is a backup plan.

He said: “We have seen how quickly this virus can adapt and change so we have prepared a Plan B of contingency measures that we can call upon only if they are needed and supported by the data to prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

“These measures would be communicating clearly and urgently the need for caution."

Government scientific advisers will be keeping an eye on hospital admissions and how overwhelmed the NHS is.

Plan B includes:

Mandatory use of face masks
Covid certification (Vaccine passports)
Working from home

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said not all measures would necessarily be brought in at once, highlighting that due to the population's immunity against the disease, "smaller changes can have a big impact".

What are the current Covid rules in England?

Face masks are expected to be worn in enclosed spaces
Face masks must be worn in NHS settings such as hospitals
Some shops and public transport operators require passengers to wear masks such as Metrolink
If you test positive for Covid you must self-isolate for 10 days
You must also self-isolate if you are told to do so by NHS Test and Trace
People with Covid symptoms must isolate for 10 days - unless they have a negative PCR result
You’re not required to self-isolate if you live in the same household as someone with Covid or are a close contact of someone with Covid if you are fully vaccinated
Follow the traffic light system for international travel
Ventilate indoor spaces