The Prime Minister’s spokesman said the move would be an “important step for this country” and “shows that the hard work of the British people is paying off”.

“It is a boon both for the public that we are able to restore freedoms, but also to our hard-hit businesses, particularly hospitality, enabling our economy to grow further,” the spokesman said.

The announcement reflects the Government’s changing approach, with the Covid pandemic nearing its two-year mark and the case surge triggered by the omicron variant fading.

But it also comes with Mr Johnson under intense political pressure from Tory MPs, including a group of lockdown sceptics, amid public calls from some for him to resign over the “partygate” saga.

There are two elements to his new position, according to Downing Street sources. One is that the legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid and the increased powers councils have to shut down businesses on Covid grounds will go.

Both are enshrined in the Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020, and both are expected to end in the week commencing Feb 21.

Currently, adults and children above the age of five have to self-isolate for five full days if they test positive for Covid. Self-isolation can be ended if someone gets a negative test on day five and day six. Those who do not get a negative test must self-isolate for 10 full days.

The guidance that would replace this, which is still being developed, will urge people with the virus not to go to work or socialise. However it will not have the force of law and it may not have a specific duration for self-isolation.