Coronavirus vaccination teams could go door-to-door to reach those yet to have their jabs in England, reports have suggested, in a bid to stave off further restrictions.
The Mail on Sunday (MoS) reported a trial which had been carried out in Ipswich, Suffolk, could be expanded across the whole of England as the government attempts to hold out against introducing new restrictions.
New Covid measures came into force in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on St Stephen's Day but politicians in England are unlikely to discuss further measures until Monday, with suggestions a voluntary reduction in social contacts before Christmas could convince Boris Johnson to rely on guidance rather than new rules.
The MoS reported that No 10 saw reaching those who had not yet had their vaccinations as a key way of staving off new restrictions.
A month-long campaign was launched at the end of November in the Westgate area of Ipswich, which had a low vaccine uptake rate.
Public health teams went door-to-door addressing worries and offering transport to vaccination centres.
A bus also toured the area to offer jabs without appointments.
In Great Yarmouth, in Norfolk, community champions have made doorstep calls in areas where vaccination rates are low.
Downing Street sources told the MoS the aim was to expand the door-to-door scheme to the rest of the country.
It comes as commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle is expected to speak to government officials on St Stephen's Day over the prospect of a recall of the British parliament to approve any pre-New Year measures.
From St Stephen's Day, a maximum of six people will be allowed to meet in pubs, cinemas and restaurants in Wales.
A total of 30 people will be allowed at indoor events while 50 people will be allowed at outdoor events.
Two-metre social distancing is being required in public premises and offices, and nightclubs will close.
The rules, in force from 6am, are a revised version of alert level two.
In Scotland, large events will have one-metre physical distancing and will be limited to 100 people standing indoors, 200 people sitting indoors and 500 people outdoors.
A day later, up to three households can meet with a one-metre distance between groups at indoor and outdoor venues like bars, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and gyms.
Table service is also needed at places where alcohol is served.
Northern Ireland is also bringing in restrictions on St Stephen's Day and December 27th, with indoor standing events no longer permitted and nightclubs closing.
Socialising will be reduced to three households while up to six people can meet in pubs, bars and restaurants. Ten people will be allowed if they are from the same household. Only table service will be available.
A two-metre social distancing rule will be in place in public premises and offices.
It is understood a Covid O meeting is yet to be scheduled as ministers await further data, but No 10 did not rule out the possibility one could take place on Monday.
However, it is understood school closures are not being considered for January.
