Mixed reaction across the east to news end of Covid restrictions in sight
Watch our report from Russell Hookey
There's been a mixed reaction across the east to news that the end of covid restrictions is within sight.
The Prime Minister has announced that virtually all measures taken over the last year to stem the spread of the virus will be scrapped on the 19th of July, although that decision will need to be rubber stamped next week.
That means:
No restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings
The end of the 1 metre plus rule
No legal requirement on face masks
The Prime Minister says it's a balanced approach, made possible by the successful vaccine rollout, but experts are concerned amid a rise in cases in all parts of the Anglia region.
At the Swan & Hedgehog pub in the centre of Ipswich there are mixed feelings about the lifting of restrictions.
They say on the one hand bringng back bar service would be far less labour intensive, but they intend to continue table service as well because that has been popular with some customers.
Lockdown rules in England: What's changing from July 19
What has happened to social distancing and the rule of six?
What has happened to social distancing and the rule of six?
The 'one metre plus' rule has been scrapped entirely, as of July 19 in England. However, some guidance to maintain social distancing in certain situations will remain in place of the legal restrictions.
Social distancing guidance will continue if someone is Covid positive and self-isolating, or in airports, or other ports of entry, to avoid travellers arriving from amber or red-list countries mixing with those from green list areas.
Limits on social contact in England have disappeared, meaning the end of the rule of six indoors and the limit of 30 people for outdoor gatherings.
Do I still need to wear a face mask?
Do I still need to wear a face mask?
There is now no legal requirements to wear face coverings - but guidance still encourages using masks in some settings, including hospitals, healthcare settings and in crowded enclosed public spaces.
Has the working from home guidance changed?
Has the working from home guidance changed?
The guidance on working from home has gone. It's ultimately down to employers to decide whether to keep staff at home or in the office, but the government say employers are able to plan the return of staff to the workplace.
What about weddings and funerals?
What about weddings and funerals?
The current limits on numbers of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events has ended.
What's happening in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
What's happening in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
The changes to Covid rules announced by Boris Johnson, only impact England and will not change regulations in Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland.
The Welsh Government “would like to move together” with other parts of the UK in lifting coronavirus restrictions but will only do so if it is “right for Wales”, health minister Eluned Morgan said on Monday 5 July.
As of July 19, restrictions in Scotland have eased, with all areas of the country moving to level 0. The government is aiming to lift all major restrictions in Scotland by August 9.
In Northern Ireland, some significant restrictions have already been eased including allowing the resumption of live music and the lifting of caps on organised outdoor gatherings.
The removal of restrictions is controversial, vaccination levels are high but rates of covid delta variant area also increasing.
Including at the Norwich campus of the UEA where students are being encouraged to get tested.
A mixed reaction from people in Cambridge
Scientists too are urging caution
Watch an extended interview with Dr Mike Weekes
At The Cambridge Blue, the landlord cannot wait to get rid of everything Covid related, from hand sanitizer to face masks, and is counting down the days until the 19th
Last week coivd cases in Cambridge were up 109 per cent on the previous week, that's 337 per 100,000 people. The highest infection rate in Cambridge since the weekend ending the 13th of January.
Across the East cases have doubled in the past week, but crucially thanks to mass vaccination, hospitalisations and deaths are not rising at the same rate as in previous waves.
At Mash night club they are preparing to reopen after 16 months,
Louise Holly is a parent as well as a business owner and her worst nightmare is a surge that leads to pupils off in September.