The factors that could trigger winter ‘Plan B’ of face masks and Covid passports

Mandatory face masks, Covid passports and working from home could be introduced in England this winter if Covid-19 cases surge.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid warned the measures are part of a “Plan B” if efforts to control the spread of coronavirus are not effective during the colder months.

What did Sajid Javid say?

Mr Javid said the contingency plans will only be put in place if there is “unsustainable” pressure on the NHS.

The current “Plan A” for autumn and winter relies on a booster vaccination campaign to keep cases under control, with millions of eligible people to start receiving the third doses from next week.

The booster jabs will be offered to all over 50s, along with those in care homes and frontline health and social care workers.

People are encouraged to meet outdoors where possible, wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed settings, wash their hands frequently and use the NHS Covid-19 app.

Businesses have also been urged to consider using the Covid pass to check the vaccination or test status of customers.

Mr Javid told MPs: “The plan shows how we’ll give this nation the best possible chance of living with Covid without the need for stringent social and economic restrictions.”

But he added: “We have seen how quickly this virus can adapt and change so we have prepared a Plan B of contingency measures that we can call upon only if they are needed and supported by the data to prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS.”

Those measures could include:

– Communicating clearly and urgently to the public that the level of risk has increased, and with it the need to behave more cautiously.