Such reticence is understandable. A recent study from consulting giant McKinsey concluded that about a fifth of the population could work remotely three days a week, though potentially as many as five.

At that level, there would be three to four times as many people working from home than before the pandemic, which would have a serious impact on city centres, transport, and consumer spending.

The slowdown is already being felt from the reintroduction of masks alone. With dining out at its lowest level since indoor hospitality reopened in May and pub operators reporting a wave of cancelled Christmas bookings, the hospitality industry has renewed calls for tailored support to avoid a flurry of bankruptcies.

Even the indomitable Mike Ashley is worried about the “shadow of uncertainty” from omicron. The Institute for Economic Affairs has warned of a 2pc hit to GDP. Still, at least Britain’s crisp shortage is over, so there’s hope for the festive season yet.

Long-term, a study from the University of Sheffield estimates a cost to the economy of £3bn in lost consumer spending from city centres, assuming the average person works from home just one day a week. It also warns of a “doughnut effect”, where major cities empty out as posh suburbs thrive.