People face up to six months of coronavirus restrictions after a huge surge in cases. Government experts are planning for the new ban on gatherings larger than six people to be in place for at least three months, the Mirror understands.
And if there is no change in circumstances, such as a vaccine breakthrough, they fear restrictions could be in place for six months.
The move spells a grim winter ahead - and puts Christmas under threat for millions. It came as Boris Johnson confirmed it will be illegal to gather in groups of more than six in England from Monday.
In a No10 press conference, the Prime Minister finally admitted he was forced to "simplify" the rules after they "have become quite complicated and confusing”.