Health chiefs are pushing for some restrictions, such as mask wearing, to be reintroduced after case numbers rose dramatically. But Mr Kwarteng said the return to normality was “very hard-won” and most ministers are resisting Plan B as a result. He said: “The infection rate was always likely to go up…But what was critically important was hospitalisations and the death rate as well.”

       He insisted the Government is not “waiting and watching” as the figures rise.

       “We’re simply trying to analyse the data as we see it and come up with the right policies,” Mr Kwarteng said.

       It is a “good thing” for people to wear masks in public places, he said – adding: “They’ve got to, I think, be respectful towards other people.”

       Plan B includes mandatory use of Covid passports, working from home advice and local measures to tackle case spikes.

       Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said there is a risk of “stumbling into a winter crisis” with no restrictions, and is urging ministers to formulate a tougher ‘Plan C’ as a safety net.