TWO Worcestershire MPs have stressed there are "no plans" for an October 'firebreak' lockdown that would include the extension of half term.

However, both admitted that the situation could change.

Reports by the i newspaper said an unnamed member of the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) suggested, with the UK about to enter an 'extended peak' of hospitalisations, the plans had been drawn up.

Under the rumoured plans the October half term could be extended to a fortnight rather than a week and, while a full lockdown is unlikely, some restrictions could be reintroduced including mandatory face coverings and social distancing.

Steve Powell, headteacher of Nunnery Wood High School said: "We’d be highly reluctant to see students missing more school through a firebreak – it’s clear to see how happy they are to be back in school and learning.

"We haven’t been asked to make any preparations.

"At Nunnery, masks are voluntary for staff and students. We are following recommended practice in creating as much ventilation as possible – and asking students to sanitise hands each time they enter or leave rooms.

"There is no bubbling but we’ve retained year group zones for social time in school since students found that system better for them.

"If we’re directed to do so by Public Health England, we’re ready to bring back masks and other measures. We’re also keeping our testing centre open."

Harriett Baldwin, a member of the lockdown-sceptic Covid Recovery Group, said: “It is not true that the government is planning a firebreak at the October half term but I have been told that there are contingency plans for a range of scenarios.

"Throughout the pandemic people have made great sacrifices to help to keep the pressure off the NHS.

"Children have really missed their school friends and fortunately this illness is usually a mild one for young people.

"We are all starting to get back to a normal way of life and I was delighted to be able to return to Parliament this week to debate these issues in person."

Nigel Huddleston, Mid-Worcestershire MP, added: "The vaccination programme has significantly weakened the link between infections, hospitalisations and deaths so I am cautiously optimistic about the coming months.

"People should continue to be sensible and take appropriate actions to protect themselves and others.

"There are no plans for a lockdown or firebreak around October half term, but the government will continue to monitor the situation and take whatever actions are necessary based on latest data.”

The government, through the Department for Education, said the report was "not true", its official account tweeting: "It is not true that the government is planning a lockdown or firebreak around the October half term."

Robin Walker, Worcester's MP, was not available for comment.