A contingency plan for rising cases of Covid across the country has been called for in order to reduce the amount of people catching the virus ahead of the Christmas period.
The UK government had previously insisted that it does not wish to go down the route of introducing any more restrictions, instead preferring to encourage people to get the first or second dose of their vaccine, along with the booster jab.
However, Boris Johnson may be announcing Plan B Covid measures on Wednesday, December 7, 2021 as Omicron cases continue to rise.
Plan B, if introduced, is a measure to try and bring cases down, but health secretary Sajid Javid is playing down the chances of it happening.
Countries around the world are also experiencing a rise in cases. German chancellor Angela Merkel admitted the country is in the midst of a new wave, while Austria began a ten-day lockdown on Monday.
Here's what you Plan B measures could look like if Boris Johnson implements Plan B.
What would close if Covid Plan B is introduced?
While Plan B is a measure to reduce Covid cases in the UK, it would not lead to shops and hospitality businesses being forced to close again.
According to the government policy paper published in September, Plan B will prioritise "measures which can help control transmission of the virus while seeking to minimise economic and social impact."
Lockdown meant that a huge hit to the economy occurred as many different businesses and sectors had to shut down completely, while staff were furloughed.
Plan B will, however, recommend that people work from home rather than the office, where possible, so some businesses may choose to temporarily close their offices, but bars and restaurants are unlikely to choose to do this.
Working from home will be familiar to those who experienced this during the lockdown, as will the use of masks in public places like shops and on public transport.
Would restaurants, bars and shops remain open during Covid Plan B?
Shops, bars and restaurants are likely to remain open under Covid Plan B, with no plans from the government to close them.
However, Plan B may discourage people for going out and and visiting bars and restaurants and, while it is currently speculation, some in the hospitality sector have warned against the plans.
UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls told the Independent in October: "We lost Christmas in its entirety last year, so it’s desperately important for survivability, getting you through the bleak months of January and February when people don’t come out as much."
The government would be keen not to see such a hit to its economy and local economies across the UK with the introduction of Plan B measures.
A leaked government document revealed that Plan B could cost the country £800 million every week. The analysis was drawn up by the Cabinet Office’s Covid-19 task force and the Treasury, but does not seem to factor the cost on the NHS.
The government's Plan B document also states: "The Government recognises this causes more disruption and has greater immediate costs to the economy and some businesses than the other Plan B interventions, so a final decision would be made based on the data at the time."
So, depending on case numbers, deaths and transmission rates, the government may change the Plan B measures closer to the time.
Face coverings will become mandatory and a legal requirement again, but the government has not outlined exactly where you would need to wear these yet and guidelines may well include wearing masks in restaurants, bars and shops.
What else does the government's Covid Plan B involve?
Like shops, face coverings now have to be worn on public transport and in a range of public spaces.
The government lists the following places as spots where face masks are mandatory:
shops and supermarkets (places which offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
shopping centres (malls and indoor markets)
auction houses
post offices, banks, building societies, high street solicitors and accountants, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses
estate and letting agents
premises providing personal care and beauty treatments (barbers, hair salons, tattoo and piercing studios, nail salons and massage centres)
pharmacies
premises providing veterinary services
retail galleries
retail travel agents
takeaways without space for consumption of food or drink on premises
public transport (aeroplanes, trains, trams, buses, coaches and ferries), taxis and private hire vehicles
any car or small van during a professionally delivered driving lesson, a practical driving test, or during one of the practical tests for giving driving instruction, and in all HGV lessons and tests
transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)
The public will be clearly communicated to regularly by the government and people will be encouraged to act more cautiously.
College and secondary school staff and pupils will also have to test regularly to see if they have Covid.
A "contingency framework" exists for schools, where cases are monitored locally and compulsory mask-wearing may be reintroduced, if need be.
There may also be mandatory 'vaccine-only' Covid status certifications brought in, in certain settings liked nightclubs, crowded indoor and various outdoor events with 10,000 or more attendees like football matches.
