What is Plan D in the UK and what could the Covid restrictions be?
COVID restrictions are continuing to tighten as the UK battles the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.
Brits have already been slapped with mandatory masks and work-from-home orders under Plan B amid rumours of the dreaded Plan C - and there could now be a fourth on the cards.
What is Plan D in the UK?
Daily coronavirus cases are on the rise in the UK, with Omicron infections increasing at an alarming rate.
In an attempt to curb further out-of-control transmission, the government announced the introduction of its 'Plan B'.
Tighter face mask rules came into force on December 10, while working from home guidance returned from December 13.
Elsewhere, all over-18s can now book a third booster jab as part of a “national mission” to beat the variant.
Plan C could see mandatory face masks extended to indoor venues like pubs and gyms, as well as the return of table service and vaccine passports in smaller venues.
Plan D - the government's fourth and hopefully final option - however, could shut down hospitality venues altogether.
It would also likely bring the return of measures akin to last year's full lockdowns.
What Plan D restrictions could be introduced?
Under the so-called Plan D, hospitality venues would likely be permitted to serve outdoors only.
However, if cases increase at a rate the NHS can't keep up with, pubs, restaurants and cafes could close completely.
All venues allowed to stay open would probably have to check visitors in using the NHS Covid app, and face masks would be required by law.
Brits would also likely be forced to self-isolate for 10 days after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus, The Mirror reports.
The government has so far stayed pretty quiet about the potential launch of Plan C, but Health Secretary Sajid Javid has been told by gloomy health officials to trigger fresh restrictions as soon as possible.
And 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, paving the way for Plan D in the new year.
Daily variant cases, hospital admissions and deaths, Omicron's ability to waiver the efficacy of vaccines, and the impact of Plan B will influence whether Plan C in brought in - and if the UK must resort to a fourth framework.
And there have been reports of a Plan E, which would see shops - except those considered 'essential' - closed.