Covid: No 10 denies 'Plan C' household mixing ban under consideration

Downing Street has denied a ban on household mixing is under consideration, as a health minister said the Government is “looking at every alternative” to control Covid-19.

The Government pushed back against reports suggesting the Cabinet Office is looking at plans for a possible “Plan C” if hospitals come under increasing pressure this winter.

Conservative former health minister Steve Brine said there is a “depressingly familiar drumbeat towards Plan B, Plan B+, Plan C in the papers today” as the House of Commons was given a Covid-19 update.

Health minister Maggie Throup maintained there is “more to do in Plan A” – by encouraging more people to have their first vaccine or booster jab – before changing the approach.

England’s autumn and winter coronavirus strategy includes “Plan B” as a contingency measure, which could result in legally mandating face coverings in some settings, introducing mandatory vaccine-only Covid status certification, and asking people to work from home.

Asked about “Plan C”, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “I’ve seen the reporting this morning about household mixing – it’s important to stress that neither ministers nor officials are working on these proposals. That is not accurate.”

Health Secretary Sajid Javid during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on coronavirus (Covid-19).
Toby Melville

Challenged by shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth in the Commons over the report, Ms Throup said: “He mentions Plan C. I saw that story earlier and I checked it out, and it’s not a story that I know that has any foundation.

“We’re always open to alternatives, that’s quite rightly so. As a Government, it would be irresponsible of us not to be looking at every alternative.

“So I hope he’s reassured that we’re on Plan A and I encourage everybody to come forward for their booster jab, and those who haven’t already had their jab should come forward. We want Plan A to be successful.”

Earlier, Ms Throup said of Plan B: “None of us wish to implement these measures but they are clearly preferable to having to close businesses or enforcing further lockdowns.

“I recognise vaccine certification is of particular interest to my colleagues in this House and, as set out in our plan, we would seek to provide a vote in Parliament ahead of any regulations coming in.”