Tooting Covid restrictions: What's changing on Monday 19 July?

As of the start of next week, all legal Covid restrictions are set to be lifted in England

Monday July 19 has been dubbed 'freedom day' by many, coming exactly four weeks after the original set date for lifted restrictions on June 21.

But what does this all mean? Check out our breakdown so you're up to date with the regulations come Monday.

Here's our breakdown of what it all means:

Face coverings, social distancing, care homes

You will no longer have to wear a face-covering by law, but it's still being advised by the government and senior health officials.

It is up to the discretion of each business or travel operator to decide whether it wants to enforce wearing masks. For example, Transport for London has decided that it will make wearing a face covering a condition for travel on its services, like the Underground and buses.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I've repeatedly made clear that the simplest and safest option would have been for the government to retain the national requirement for face coverings on public transport.

"This is why, after careful consideration, I have decided to ask TfL to retain the requirement for passengers to wear a face covering on all TfL services when the national regulations change.

"By keeping face masks mandatory we will give Londoners and visitors the reassurance and confidence to make the most of what our city has to offer, while also protecting our heroic transport workers and those who may be vulnerable and rely on the network to get around our city."

Social distancing will also be a thing of the past, and you'll be able to meet with as many people as you wish.

In addition, there will no longer be any restrictions on the number of people who can visit care homes.

The government is advising people to meet outside where possible, however.

Restaurants, pubs, nightclubs

Restaurants and pubs will be able to serve standing customers, not just those at tables - and nightclubs will be able to reopen for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

However, the government is encouraging businesses to use something called the 'NHS Covid Pass' in high-risk settings.

The NHS Covid Pass 'allows you to check your Covid status and demonstrate that you are at lower risk of transmitting to others, through full vaccination, a recent negative test, or proof of natural immunity.'

Find out more from the GOV.UK website.

Events, weddings, worship services

There will be no restrictions on the number of people allowed to attend weddings, funerals, or worship services.

Other large gatherings will also be permitted, such as football matches or music events.

Holidays

If you're fully vaccinated you won't have to quarantine after visiting amber list countries.

Working from home

The government 'expects and recommends' that people return to the workplace over the summer.

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