England continues to progress along its path out of lockdown with the introduction of step four of the government's roadmap on Monday (19 July) - bringing with it a whole raft of changes.
As part of the next stage, many restrictions we've lived under for well over a year will come to an end, including the mandatory wearing of face masks.
However, while 19 July was initially dubbed 'Freedom Day' by many, various scientists and experts have warned that people should remember the number of cases have been rising drastically.
Advert
Face Masks
These will no longer be mandatory in public spaces like shops and on transport, but many businesses have suggested they may still ask people to wear them if possible - while others may also feel they wish to do so anyway.
The government has also said it 'expects and recommends' that people wear coverings in crowded areas, such as on public transport.
Advert
It explained: "Wearing a face covering, especially when there is close contact between people in enclosed and crowded spaces will still help to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19, especially.
"It may also ensure those who are clinically extremely vulnerable feel more relaxed.
"It is important that face coverings fit securely around the face so as to safely cover the mouth and the nose."
Nightclubs, Gigs and Festivals
Advert
Nightclubs will be able to finally reopen - yep, that's for the first time since lockdown first came in back in March 2020.
Gigs and festivals may also resume without the restictrions that have held them back.
However, the government has said proof of vaccination status or evidence of a recent negative test may become mandatory in large venues, encouraging places to introduce them on a voluntary basis, saying it would 'work with organisations that operate large, crowded settings where people are likely to be in close proximity to others outside their household to encourage the use of the NHS Covid pass'.
It added: "The Government will consider mandating the NHS Covid Pass in certain venues at a later date... if sufficient measures are not taken to limit infection."
Pubs, Bars and Restaurants
Advert
Customers in hospitality venues will no longer have to be seated, while compulsory table service will come to an end - meaning you can head to the bar to order your drink, if you wish.
That said, be sure to check with individual venues, as many have indicated that they may wish to keep some of the measures in place for ease or safety.
People will no longer be legally required to scan a QR code to check in to a site.
Sports
Advert
Sports stadiums and venues that had not reopened under pilot schemes will finally be able to reopen to full capacity.
However, as with other large events, the government has urged organisers to make use of the NHS Covid pass to ensure attendees are either fully vaccinated, have had a recent negative test, or natural immunity.
Travel
Today marks a huge milestone for the travel industry, which has been hit hard by restrictions over the past year-and-a-half.
Now, fully vaccinated UK residents will no longer need to quarantine after returning home from amber list countries. You are classed as fully vaccinated 14 days after your second dose.
This change in the rules also does not apply to travellers returning from France.
Travellers will still be required to take a pre-departure test three days before they leave for England, along with another test on or before the second day after their return.
Work
From today, social distancing measures 'will be ended in the workplace', meaning it is 'no longer necessary for the government to instruct people to work from home', according to the official government website.
It adds: "However, employers still have a legal responsibility to protect their employees and others from risks to their health and safety.
"Your employer should be able to explain to you the measures they have in place to keep you safe at work. Some employers may request employees to undertake regular testing for Covid-19 to identify people who are asymptomatic."
Schools
Education secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed 'school bubbles' will also end on 19 July, meaning children will only have to self-isolate if they test positive for the virus - or if they are informed they are a close contact by NHS Test and Trace.
Williamson said: "Keeping children in consistent groups was essential to control the spread of the virus when our population was less vaccinated.
"We recognise that the system of bubbles and isolation is causing disruption to many children's education. That is why we'll be ending bubbles and transferring contact tracing to the NHS Test and Trace system for early years settings, schools and colleges."
Other
The 'one metre plus' rule will be lifted, although guidance remains in two circumstances: when self-isolating after positive test, and while in airports - the latter being a measure to prevent people mixing with others arriving from high-risk countries.
The 'rule of six' for indoor gatherings will end, along with the limit of 30 people outside. This means weddings, funerals and other large events like festivals will no longer have a cap on numbers.
The limit on how many named visitors a care home resident can have will be lifted, but measures like enhanced cleaning and PPE are due to remain in place.
Beyond 19 July
Further down the line, self-isolation rules are also due to change.
From Monday 16 August, those who have had both doses of their vaccine will be exempt from self-isolating if they are found to have come into contact by someone who later tested positive for Covid by NHS Test and Trace - unless they test positive for coronavirus, of course.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: "This new approach means we can manage the virus in a way that is proportionate to the pandemic while maintaining the freedoms that are so important to us all."
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: UK News, lockdown, News, Coronavirus