Plan B Covid restrictions will be lifted only during WEEKS if NHS copes with Omicron rise, says Michael Gove

Today, Michael Gove said the BRITS can expect “increasingly progressive lifting of restrictions” if the NHS proceeds with a difficult couple of weeks.

The top Cabinet minister hopes that the controversial Plan B measures will be repealed by the end of the month.

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Hospital seems to cope better with Omicron patients than initially feared in the context of evidence that the variant is much milder.

The encouraging data triggered demand for Boris Johnson to eliminate the remaining Covid curbs such as mandatory face masks and working from home.

Promotion Minister Mr Gove this morning admitted the country should start learning how to live with the virus when the NHS is clear.

He told the BBC: “Our first responsibility at the moment must be to support the NHS.”

But… if we make it through – and now, I hope and pray that we get through this difficult time – there will be better times ahead.

“And I think one of the things we need to do is how we live with this particular coronavirus.

“With the guidance of science, we can move towards lifting restrictions. But I think for all of us, the sooner the better.”

The Plan B restrictions, which also include vaccine passports, will be reviewed before their January 26 expiration date.

Tory MPs – 100 of whom opposed the measures last month – are provoking Freedom Day 2.0, where all restrictions will be removed forever.

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Following Mr Gove’s remarks this morning, one protester told The Sun: “Looks like we almost won the war.”

They added: “The Prime Minister deserves a lot of credit for not putting pressure on more restrictions over the past month, but ultimately it is this moment of great watershed that will provide lasting certainty and confidence.” for businesses and communities.”

Ministers are also under pressure to ease Covid isolation time seven to five days to help industries grappling with a staffing crisis.

Education Minister Nadhim Zahawi yesterday became the first Cabinet Minister to publicly break the ranks and support the move.

Experts increasingly hope Omicron is past its prime and won’t make the hospital disappear.

NHS Providers director Chris Hopson said he now believes “the front line will hold”.