Local authorities are reportedly considering a plan B if the three-tier system in England has not made a difference by mid-November. A ‘tier three-plus’ or ‘tier four’ could be introduced

Whitehall officials and local authorities are reportedly considering alternative plans if the three-tier system in England has not made a difference by mid-November.

A potential plan B could include a “tier three-plus” or “tier four” which would see further restrictions brought in.

The measures under tier four – which has not been officially announced or decided but is reportedly being discussed – could include shutting restaurants and non-essential retail such as clothes shops, according to iNews.

The publication also reported that other options being discussed include the possibility of short-term local circuit breaker lockdowns in a bid to bring the R rate – the rate at which the virus is transmitted – below one.