Campaign group Rights for Residents described the proposed cap on visitors as “hugely disappointing”, with a spokesman saying: “It just takes us back to where we were many months ago, and the impact it will have on families will be devastating.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking for families to have to choose who can visit them. How do you pick those three people?

“There are many people who have been living in care for a while and thinking that this could be their last Christmas, so it’s just going to be devastating and lead to absolutely heartbreaking decisions for so many families.”

The Telegraph understands that, if the three-person rule comes into force, there would be no changes to the current regular testing system for essential care-givers. However, the source said the idea was “still awaiting ministerial clearance” and “could still be vetoed by Number 10”.

It comes as the care sector is still awaiting details of how “Plan B” will affect it. In a statement to Parliament on Wednesday, Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, said the Government would be “taking further measures to protect and support social care”, with measures to be announced later this week.

The sector has urged the Government to clarify visiting plans for Christmas. On Thursday, the DHSC held a meeting with stakeholders who were told they should continue with “business as usual”, with mitigations such as increasing personal protective equipment rather than further restrictions.

“We are not expecting any changes to be announced imminently,” a person present at the meeting said.

‘Care providers need clarity and plenty of warning’

Prof Martin Green OBE, the Care England CEO, said CEO, Care England, said: “Care providers are doing all they can to make Christmas special for their residents and service users. 

“They need clarity and plenty of warning as to whether the Government will restrict visiting or impose other mitigations and restrictions as a result of the new variant or indeed other factors.  

“‘Plan B’ does nothing to address the ongoing concerns within the adult social care sector and care providers are coming under increasing pressure from residents and loved ones who want to establish Christmas plans.”

A DHSC spokesman said: “Our priority throughout the pandemic has been the safety of care home residents and staff, and we continue to keep our guidance under review in line with the latest public health advice.

“We appreciate how important care and companionship from visitors is and the positive difference this makes to the health and well-being of care home residents. We will continue to take advice from our leading scientists regarding any changes to guidance on care home visiting.”