Plans for a new Covid ‘tier’ system have reportedly been drawn up by the government as concerns grow over the Indian variant.

With more than 2,300 cases of the variant known as B.1.617.2 confirmed this week – almost double the amount on last week, officials have prepared plans modelled on last year’s Tier 4 restrictions.

According to The Times and Politico, there are three options for what happens on June 21, when it had been hoped all legal restrictions would end.

It could still press ahead as planned, or there will be local restrictions in some areas, or some June 21 easings will be delayed for the whole country.

Regions could be forced to enter into a ‘Tier 4’ system with pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops closed and a stay-at-home order, The Times reports.

Businesses forced to close due to restrictions would be able to claim grants of up to £18,000 through their local council. But estate and lettings agents would be able to continue working.

Based on the previous Tier 4 system, government advice on home moving during the coronavirus would remain unchanged. Consequently, people in England would be able to move and removal firms, tradespeople, and estate agents would still be able to operate by going inside homes. Adherence to safety and social distancing would remain crucial.

Boris Johnson yesterday reportedly told his Cabinet he still wants to stick to the Roadmap – but warned we’ll know “in a few days” if it could be derailed.

The PM told reporters: “I don’t see anything conclusive at the moment to say that we need to deviate from the road map.

“We’ve got to be cautious and we are keeping everything under very close observation. We’ll know a lot more in a few days’ time.”