What is Plan C in the UK and what restrictions could be introduced?
AS the Omicron variant continues to spread, the government has been called to consider tougher restrictions.
Boris Johnson's Plan B has already seen the return of face masks, working from home and vaccine passports, but what would Plan C look like if this isn't enough?
What is Plan C Covid in the UK?
Plan C is reportedly already being drawn up by Government chiefs in a bid to slow down the spread of the Omicron Covid variant.
It would see the reintroduction of Covid rules such as table service at pubs and restaurants and vaccine passports in smaller venues.
Under Plan C, punters would have to check in with the NHS Covid app to dine out and enjoy a drink.
Mandatory face mask-wearing may also be extended to all indoor places - including those currently exempt in Plan B, like gyms and pubs.
Rules forcing hospitality venues to collect the contact details of all customers are already being considered in the Plan C package, according to the Daily Mail.
And pubs could be forced to reintroduce punter limits or even shut down completely amid fears of an Omicron surge.
As revealed by The Sun, miserable Whitehall officials have drawn up plans to cap the number of punters allowed in at once - and even close them down in the coming weeks.
What has the government said about Plan C?
Plan C could be introduced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson if Covid cases continue to spiral in the UK.
Backbenchers have already been left furious at the new Plan B restrictions - which have made face coverings mandatory on public transport and Brits told to avoid the office - describing them as "ineffective and discriminatory".
Some have even suggested they've been introduced to distract from the row over the No10 Christmas Party.
It has also been revealed that Tories could quit as members of the Government next week if the "deeply unpopular" Covid restrictions go ahead.
At least six parliamentary private secretaries have declared war on the Prime Minister's tough new measures aimed at combating the Omicron variant.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove is leading the push for Plan C Covid curbs, while Health Secretary Sajid Javid has been told by gloomy health officials to trigger fresh restrictions as soon as possible.
When could Plan C be introduced?
If introduced, Plan C would likely come into force in the new year.
However, MPs have allegedly been warned to be "on standby" to vote on new restrictions during Christmas week as Omicron continues to grip the nation.
It would mean the plans could be enacted before the big day after a Parliament recall on December 21.
In his speech on December 8, 2021, Mr Johnson encouraged Brits to slow the spread of the virus by getting "yet more boosters into more arms".
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The rise in Omicron cases, the variant's ability to waiver the efficacy of vaccines, hospital admissions and deaths, and the impact of Plan B, will influence whether Plan C is brought in.
According to sources, a Plan D is already being considered - which would force punters to dine outdoors yet again.