Mr Sunak told the BBC: ‘At the moment the data does not suggest we should immediately be moving to Plan B.’

He added: ‘Well the prime minister actually just said that we’re looking at the data all the time, as you would expect us too.

‘We’re monitoring everything, but at the moment the data does not suggest that we should be immediately moving to Plan B, but of course we will keep an eye on that and the plans are ready.’

But behind the scenes, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is making preparations to enact the measures, according to The Guardian.

For entertainment venues a COVID Passport is likely to become mandatory.

On Friday, a further 49,298 coronavirus cases were reported in the UK, alongside 180 new deaths within 28 days of a positive test. Health Secretary Sajid Javid says they could double.

Under Plan B, in certain settings:

mandatory vaccine-only certification could be introduced for all visitors aged 18 or over
members of the workforce aged 18 or over in these settings could then be required to test regularly, if they are not fully vaccinated

This would mean that adult visitors would need to be fully vaccinated to access the settings in which certification is required.

If introduced, the government expects that mandatory vaccine-only certification would be introduced for the following venues and events:

all nightclubs and other venues open after 1am with alcohol, music and dancing
indoor events with 500 or more attendees where those attendees are likely to stand and mix to a significant degree, or move around during the event, such as music venues or large receptions
outdoor, crowded settings with 4,000 or more attendees where those attendees are likely to stand, or move around during the event, such as outdoor festivals
any settings with 10,000 or more attendees, such as large sports and music stadiums

Some settings would be exempt from requirements to use certification, including communal worship, wedding ceremonies, funerals and other commemorative events; guidance on minimising risk in these settings will be provided. Free, unticketed outdoor events in public spaces, including street parties, protests and mass participation sporting events, would also be exempt.