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Boris Johnson said to be weighing up three different sets of coronavirus restrictions

Daisy Jackson - 20th December 2021

Boris Johnson is reportedly assessing three different options of coronavirus restrictions ahead of Christmas.

These range from yet another full lockdown, to advisory limits on social contact, the Daily Telegraph has reported.

The Prime Minister is holding an emergency cabinet this afternoon as the Omicron variant continues to send coronavirus infection rates rocketing.

There are reportedly three different sets of restrictions on the table, which could be implemented before Christmas Day.

The lowest level of these would see the Government advising people to limit their social contacts, especially indoors, but with no legal enforcement.

A second, stricter option would mean the reintroduction of a curfew as well as enforced restrictions on indoor mixing.

The second proposal puts forward an 8pm curfew for pubs and restaurants, plus the return of social distancing measures.

Option three would be a full lockdown, with The Times reporting a two-week-long ‘circuit breaker’ is being considered.

It would mean a ban on indoor mixing unless for work purposes, and pubs and restaurants forced to return to outdoor-only operating for the fortnight… in the middle of winter.

The Sunday Times has reported that coronavirus restrictions are expected to be announced on Boxing Day, and come into force on December 27.

Read more: Downing Street and ministers defend controversial photo allegedly showing PM in lockdown gathering

But speaking on the Andrew Marr Show yesterday, Health Secretary Sajid Javid refused to rule out that more restrictions may need to be introduced before Christmas.

There were 82,886 new confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK yesterday.

A major incident has now been declared in London by its Mayor Sadiq Khan, where there is a huge surge in cases.

Featured image: David Dixon via Geograph