‘PLAN C’ rules including “table service in pubs” and “vaccine passports in smaller venues” is already being considered by officials, it’s been reported.
The plan – which would be a step up from the current Plan B restrictions – could be introduced in the New Year if Omicron turns out to be more dangerous than once believed.
Under ‘Plan C’ punters would have to check in with the NHS Covid app to go to pubs and restaurants.
Face mask-wearing may also extend to all indoor places – including those currently exempt in Plan B, including gyms and pubs.
Brits may also have to show vaccine passports at more venues – which will be a blow to businesses already facing issues under Plan B.
Rules forcing hospitality venues to collect the contact details of all customers are already being considered in the Plan C “package,” according to reports.
This would help NHS Test and Trace track down those who come into contact with Covid cases as they fight the mutant strain.
One source told the Daily Mail that measures could also include a return to table service in pubs and restaurants.
This comes as furious Tory MPs have rounded on Boris Johnson’s “baffling” Covid Plan B rules and predicted he’ll face a “record” Commons rebellion on them.
Angry backbenchers described the new restrictions as “ineffective and discriminatory” and even suggested they’ve been introduced to distract from the row over the No 10 Christmas Party.
The PM’s announcement that Brits will have to work from home and flash vaccine passports to enter major events sparked an extraordinary backlash.
Health secretary Sajid Javid was heckled with cries of “shame on you” and “resign” as the unveiled the measures to the Commons.
And they triggered a tsunami of criticism from furious Tory MPs who have blasted the “tyrannical” and “baffling” restrictions.
In astonishing scenes, top Tory William Wragg openly accused the PM of imposing the rules as a “diversionary tactic” to distract from the huge row over a lockdown-breaking party No10 aides had in Downing Street last December.
Backbenchers also lined up to pile into the Plan B measures as Boris faces the biggest crisis of his premiership.
Leading Red Wall MP Ben Bradley fumed: “I said I would not vote for vaccine passports, which I believe are ineffective and discriminatory.
“I also cannot vote for restrictions ‘just in case’ at a time when hospitalisations and deaths are falling.
FEARS FOR FREEDOM
“I don’t believe the evidence supports Plan B and I will not vote for it.”
Meanwhile, Omicron is causing “breakthrough” infections in vaccinated people, data shows, but symptoms are milder.
Although a cold-like illness is better for the infected person, experts say it can make tracking the virus in the population harder.
People may not come forward for a test if they do not show the classic three Covid symptoms listed by the NHS – a cough, fever and loss of smell and/or taste.
It may also see hospitalisation rates sky-rocket as the virus spreads through both the vaccinated and unvaccinated.
However, case rates are still markedly lower among the vaccinated, making it the most efficient way to protect yourself from the virus.
It comes as the UK’s Omicron hotspots were revealed for the first time.
The Government has pleaded with Brits to take their top-up dose invites as studies show it dramatically improves protection.
Trending In The News’s Jab’s Army has called upon all Brits to come forward and have their life-saving shot, with volunteers also needed to drive the rollout.
According to the Zoe Covid Study, some 83,658 people are getting Covid symptoms every day, up from the 80,483 estimated last week.
The study estimates 25,411 of these are in vaccinated people, up from 24,926 last week.
