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Students have been given a Christmas lockdown warning as government scientists warn that travelling home poses a risk of “larger outbreaks” of COVID-19, the i reports. 

The i reports that the epidemic is doubling every seven days and the UK could face 50,000 cases a day next month without a swift response. 

The prime minister has warned widespread coronavirus infections are “inevitable” as tougher restrictions now affect 13.5 million people, the i weekend reports. 

The i newspaper says it can reveal some vaccine news, reporting that ministers are planning to invoke emergency powers to vaccinate the public against Covid-19 even if it is unlicensed. If a vaccine is available before the end of the Brexit transition period, the UK will sidestep EU law to roll it out before it has been approved officially by the EU watchdog. The government says the step would be “very unusual” but would be necessary.

The warning from schools also leads the front of the i newspaper. It reports that head teachers’ unions have written a letter to Mr Johnson telling him to “personally take charge” amid concern over schools not being able to access tests. Teachers have said they are frustrated that the increase in demand was not foreseen, the paper adds.

The i leads with the new “rule of six” restrictions which come into force on Monday.

Army medics are expected to help administer the “biggest vaccination push in British history”, the i weekend reports. Tens of millions of coronavirus injections cannot be delivered by GPs and chemists, the paper adds, and the military is in talks with the NHS to help deliver injections.