THERE are fears we may not last long in Plan B measures as even tighter restrictions are being drawn up - possibly for the New Year.

       But for now, we're promised a Christmas that will be happier than the last. Here's what we know about a possible fourth lockdown.

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       There are fears we may face tighter restrictions than Plan B in the New Year Credit: Alamy Will there be a Christmas lockdown in the UK?

       The transport secretary insisted Brits will be able to enjoy a "good deal happier" festive period than last year thanks to testing and vaccines.

       But he suggested the current Plan B restrictions will only "see us through to the New Year".

       Mr Shapps insisted Britain is "certainly in a better position than we were this time last year" in the fight against Covid.

       He added: "We want people to be sensible but to enjoy their Christmas.

       "We're not saying to people to cancel their Christmases or their Christmas parties or getting together with their friends and families.

       "But please take the lateral flow test, don't go if you feel ill, get your third jab and you're good to go.

       "I think this Christmas will be a good deal happier than last year."

       Pressed on the possibility of new restrictions before December 25, he appeared to rule them out.

       He said: "I hope not. We've got in place now the measures we believe will see us through to the New Year. I don't think that's going to need to happen this year.

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       "With some confidence we can say people are going to be able to enjoy their Christmas get-together with their friends and families with only what has already been announced."

       "If we did need to do anything else, Parliament would be recalled too in order to vote on doing that, so it won't just be an automated thing.

       "It's always wise to be cautious with Coronavirus. We've learned that lesson in the last year or two."

       He latter added Plan B plus boosters can prevent hospitals becoming overwhelmed and "we believe that is enough to bend the curve" of infections".

       What are the current Christmas restrictions?

       We are currently under Plan B restrictions which require mask wearing in indoor public places, encourage working from home and lateral flows and Covid passes for venues and big events.

       Plan A focuses on continuing with the vaccine roll-out.

       This means offering it to healthy 12 to 15-year-olds, encouraging those who have not yet come forward to do so, and moving forward with the booster jab programme for those most at risk.

       Plan C is reportedly already being drawn up by Government chiefs and would see the reintroduction of Covid rules such as table service at pubs and restaurants and vaccine passports in smaller venues.

       Under Plan C, punters would have to check in with the NHS Covid app to dine out and enjoy a drink, and masks would be mandatory in all indoor venues.

       Plan D - the government's fourth and hopefully final option - however, could shut down hospitality venues altogether.

       What is a firebreak lockdown?

       A firebreak lockdown is a short and intense lockdown, normally lasting two weeks, that aims to quickly bring down infection rates by immediately ceasing social interactions.

       The idea is that the strictness will mean that full lockdown, that could last months, could be prevented and escalating infection rates could be nipped in the bud.

       Independent Sage, a panel of experts outside the government's official advisory body, is demanding pubs and restaurants close for inside service in a 10-day circuit breaker lockdown.

       The group also wants to ban indoor mixing and let parents take kids out of schools without fear of being fined.

       Justifying their harsh measures, they say: "The situation is so urgent we must take emergency action now and that means it is imperative to reduce contacts."

       Grant Shapps says the current Covid restrictions will 'see us through to the New Year'