The health secretary refused to rule out further restrictions for England, as Omicron continues to spread.
Businesses have reacted with dismay at possible tougher Covid measures before Christmas after the health secretary said they could not be ruled out.
Business leaders said it would cause irreparable damage and called for fresh financial support from the government.Mr Javid told Andrew Marr that while there remains uncertainty about the new variant, it is time to be "more cautious" amid the rapid spread of the virus. Modelling from scientific advisers, published on Saturday, showed that if ministers stuck to the current Plan B measures, there could be a peak of 3,000 hospital admissions in England per day.Kate Nichols, chief executive of UKHospitality, which represents many restaurants, hotels and leisure firms, said further restrictions would be devastating for the industry.
"The damage to consumer confidence can be irreparable. We are already seeing an impact on bookings in January, February, even Easter."The owner of several inner-London gift shops, who asked not to be named, said that what meagre trade was still happening would dissolve completely.