Responding to reports that the government plans to trigger Plan B today to control rising cases of the Omicron variant, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson said:

"Trust leaders have repeatedly said that the government must be ready to put tougher restrictions in place as soon as they are necessary.

"Trusts are understandably anxious about rising levels of the Omicron variant when the NHS is experiencing the greatest pressure it has ever been under at this time of year and when we are heading for what is already becoming the NHS' most difficult ever winter.

"Trust leaders have also been clear that any decision to trigger Plan B, which would see the return of measures such as working from home and the introduction of vaccine passports, is for the government to make based on data and evidence that only they can access. And only the government can balance the wide-ranging health, economic and social implications of reintroducing restrictions.

"Trust leaders have been calling for clearer and louder public health messaging from the government. Today's Number 10 press conference provides an important opportunity for stronger messaging on what we must all do to manage risks from the virus including exercising caution when mixing with people we don’t live with, wearing a mask in crowded places, ventilating rooms and reinforcing the fact that it is vital for everyone eligible to be fully vaccinated."