The Government is considering introducing a two-week circuit breaker lockdown to fight the spread of the variant, the Mirror reports. The Financial Times reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson was probed with a handful of questions on Friday, under a so-called 'Plan C', ranging from 'mild guidance to nudge people, right through to lockdown.' It has now been reported that those measures are likely to start pre-New Year's Day - meaning December 27 to 30 are likely candidates, reports BirminghamLive. Seven people have now died with the variant and it has been reported that 85 have been admitted to hospital due to it. For the latest local breaking news direct to your inbox as it happens, go here to sign up to our free newsletter

Source: The Times December 19, 2021 12:14 UTC