The UK could still face a so-called 'circuit-breaker' lockdown if the new three-tier lockdown does not get a grip of the rapid spread of the coronavirus.
The rumoured plan would see rules drastically tightened over October's half-term break in a bid stop the spread of the virus.
But the measure could also lead to more economic chaos and cancelled family holidays leading to widespread scepticism in Whitehall.
And while mutliple sources said it was not being announced today or imminently, the Mirror understands that the measure is being kept as an emergency option for ministers if the spread of the virus doesn't slow.