Preliminary data from South Africa has shown that people who have antibodies and protection against Covid are far less protected against omicron. 

A pre-print, published online, revealed that those previously infected with the original Wuhan strain produce 41 times fewer neutralising molecules when exposed to omicron. The findings show omicron – as feared – is much better at dodging protection from prior infection and vaccines than previous variants including beta and delta.

However, it failed to completely evade the protection, and the researchers believe vaccination and boosters are “likely to increase the neutralisation level and likely confer protection from severe disease in omicron infection”. 

The option of urging people in England to work from home again is named in the Government’s “Plan B” for countering Covid during the autumn and winter. Modelling of the financial impact of work from home guidance over Christmas and into the middle of January has been conducted.

The move could allow ministers to take a step to reduce the spread of Covid while not impacting the economy significantly – given that some people will be on breaks – or stopping people meeting loved ones.

Decisions by Mr Johnson on work from home guidance would apply in England, but devolved administrations would make a choice on workers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Cabinet split over vaccine passports

Covid certification is a second change being considered more seriously within government and would mean people having to provide proof of a vaccine before entering venues with large crowds.

The issue has been hotly debated all year, with ministers first investigating it as an option, then ruling it out, then threatening it unless more people were jabbed and finally leaving it as a back-up option.

Half a dozen government sources described Tuesday’s discussions about the topic to The Telegraph. Mr Gove, who played a key role in shaping Covid policy while in the Cabinet Office, was said to be the biggest supporter. Ms Dorries – who represents many industries that would have to implement vaccine checks if they were brought in – also spoke out in favour.

Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, and Alister Jack, the Scottish Secretary, were both cautious about the idea and understood to have made comments to that effect. Mr Shapps expressed concern about the impact on the transport industry – the same criticism expressed by prominent Tory backbenchers in recent days.

Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, is understood not to have voiced his views. A former chancellor, he has at various points throughout the pandemic warned about the economic impact of lockdown measures.

Stephen Barclay, who became the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in September having served for years in the Treasury, is now playing a key role in policy planning and is also said to be mindful of the financial impact.

Mr Johnson will ultimately make the decision on whether any new measures will be adopted.