The Government has unveiled its autumn and winter plan for managing Covid in England - and say people could still be asked to work from home if cases rise again, while face masks could be legally mandated in certain settings under a "Plan B"
Health secretary Sajid Javid told the House of Commons the Government wanted the country to get through winter "without the need for stringent social and economic restrictions".
He announced a Covid plan with five pillars - including plans for booster doses from next week.
Read more: PM won't rule out fresh lockdowns but warns 'we will have to keep some tools in reserve'
Mr Javid though added that a "Plan B" of contingency measures was also in place.
He told MPs: “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. Legally mandating face coverings in certain settings.
"Whilst we’re not going ahead with mandatory vaccine-only Covid-status certification now, we will be holding that power in reserve. As well as these three steps, we’d consider a further measure of asking people to work from home if they can for a limited time if that is supported by the data.
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“Any responsible government must prepare for all eventualities, and although these measures are not an outcome anyone wants, it’s one we need to be ready for just in case.”
Earlier, he outlined a number of changes people can make to their daily routines, telling MPs: “Meeting outdoors where possible or, if you need to be indoors, trying to let in fresh air.”
He suggested: “Wearing a face mask in crowded, enclosed spaces where you can come into contact with people that you don’t normally meet.”
Mr Javid said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps would provide further updates on international travel ahead of the formal review point on October 1.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be hosting a Downing Street press conference later this afternoon.
Speaking to BusinessLive yesterday, the Prime Minister could not rule out further lockdown s, though said he was set against further restrictions.
He said he did not want to go back to regional tiering and added: "Clearly we don’t want to be going back to lockdowns of any kind and I will be setting out how we hope to avoid that. But we will have to keep some tools in reserve.”
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