Police urge people to act responsibly as pubs reopen on 'Super Saturday'
Video report by ITV News Anglia's Sarah Cooper
Police forces across East Anglia are urging members of the public to act responsibly this weekend as pubs and restaurants prepare to reopen for the first time since March.
Pubs will be allowed to welcome customers back from 6am on Saturday as lockdown restrictions continue to be eased.
Many other businesses, including cinemas and hairdressers, will also reopen their doors.
However, the Prime Minister told the nation in a press conference on Friday that "we are not out of the woods yet" when it comes to defeating coronavirus.
With the country starting to return to some kind of normality, there will be extra police patrols in town and city centres across East Anglia on Saturday and police chiefs are pleading with people to be sensible.
“After months of normal life being on hold, I understand many will be keen for a taste of normality and will be looking forward to the weekend as pubs and restaurants across the county reopen their doors," Cambridgeshire Chief Constable, Nick Dean, said.
"However, there are still social distancing measures in place and I urge people to respect and follow the guidelines set by each establishment."
Norfolk Assistant Chief Constable, Nick Davison, added: "The last few months have been challenging for our communities and I completely understand people wanting to take full advantage of pubs and bars reopening."
"However, life is by no means back to normal and venues will be operating in ways we are not used to."
As well as pubs and restaurants reopening, football matches will also be taking place behind closed doors, with both Norwich City and Luton Town in action.
Hatters striker Harry Cornick says it's vital that fans continue to stay away.
“We miss them singing our songs and enjoying the whole matchday experience, but we all know that it has to be done for the safety of everyone at the moment," he said.
In nearby Bedford, the virus infection rate remains high, and Mayor Dave Hodgson said that although the council don't have the power to stop pubs reopening, they still want people in the town to stay at home as much as possible.
He said: "The Council does not have blanket powers to keep pubs and restaurants closed, but I know a number of pubs and restaurants have chosen to keep their doors closed this weekend due to the local high infection rate. I know that would not have been an easy decision.
“The more that people are able to stay at home and keep their distance from others when they do have to go out, the quicker we can all slow the spread of this virus, avoid a local lockdown, and we can all enjoy a drink and a meal with family and friends that much sooner.”