Today is the day when we have been given a green light by the Government to get back to normal. But what does it mean?
When Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that July 19 would be the day that England moved into stage four of the plan to lift COVID-19 restrictions, the country breathed a sigh of relief.
However, he did warn that it was likely that coronavirus cases will rise as the restrictions are lifted.
The Government has said that every adult in the UK should have had the chance to have both doses of a coronavirus vaccine by mid-September.
What will happen today? Here is your guide to what is changing.
Will I have to wear a face mask?
Legal requirements to wear face coverings will be lifted on Freedom Day. People will be urged to “exercise their personal responsibility”.
Shops and transport providers may still tell customers to wear masks. However, it is advised people wear face masks in crowded inside spaces.
Regional mayors are calling for face masks to be mandatory on public transport, but the Government has said it expects and recommends that face coverings are worn in enclosed and crowded places.
What about working from home?
People were advised to work from home during the pandemic, but are now being asked to gradually to return to their desks over the summer.
The Government said it was not expecting work in offices to be completely back on July 19.
What will happen when I go to a cafe or restaurant?
Restrictions on being seated and table service in hospitality will end, as will the legal requirement to scan QR codes when entering venues.
The rule of six for indoor meetings will cease, as will the limit of 30 people outdoors.
What about socialising, weddings and funerals?
There will be no limits on socialising.
Today marks the end of the rule of six as well as restrictions on guests at weddings and mourners at funerals.
The one metre-plus rule on social distancing will be lifted except in specific circumstances, like the UK border, where guidance will remain to keep passengers from red and amber list countries from mingling with other travellers.
Can I visit my loved one in a care home?
The limit on named care home visitors will be lifted but infection control measures will remain in place, such as enhanced cleaning and PPE.
What’s happening with schools?
School bubbles will be scrapped and only those pupils who test positive needs to self-isolate.
Can I go to the theatre?
Theatres will be allowed to open with full stalls.
How will this affect my holiday plans?
The green list of countries has not changed but Health Secretary Sajid Javid said people who have had two vaccines will not need to quarantine when returning from amber list destinations.
Updates are due daily.
Can I go to a festival?
You will be able to go. Mass events, including festivals, will be allowed to go ahead.
Can I go to a nightclub?
Nightclubs will finally able to reopen for the first time since the first lockdown was imposed in March last year.
What about sporting events?
Stadiums not already open under the pilot scheme will be able to welcome fans at full capacity.
Crosshead: Certification at ‘high risk venues’
Instead of mask-wearing, the Government is recommending that businesses and large events use certification as a basis of entry to venues deemed high risk, especially when prevalence of coronavirus is high as it is currently. But it will not be mandatory, only recommended.
To gain entry to venues choosing to go down this route, people must be able to show proof of having been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior, evidence of a negative lateral flow test in the past two days, or a positive PCR test in the past six months to confirm a level of immunity to COVID-19.
Vaccine passports at pubs are still possible, but the Government is not being prescriptive about what venues fit its description, so it will be up to venue management or landlords themselves to decide whether vaccine passports are necessary to guarantee the safety of staff and patrons.
Do I still need to have the NHS Test and Trace app?
Yes. People will need to have this until August 16.
What do I do if I’m clincally vulnerable?
The clinically vulnerable will be given more advice today or tomorrow, but the general advice is get fully vaccinated, meet others outdoors, meet only with others who have been vaccinated and check your eligibility for ongoing support schemes.
