Covid measures ‘plan C’ has been discussed, senior official tells MPs

Chief scientific adviser for Department of Health refers to tougher proposal beyond plan B' that has not been extensively worked up'

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A plan C" for tougher coronavirus restrictions has been discussed in official circles, a senior civil servant has confirmed, despite ministers denying that tougher measures are an option this Christmas should the rate of new cases continue to rise.

The indication of planning for potentially harsher restrictions comes as senior scientists and Labour push for the rollout of plan B", an existing package of light-touch" measures including advice to work from home and compulsory face masks in some settings.