Public health bosses in Gloucestershire say the further removal of lockdown restrictions on July 19 is not ‘freedom day’ but just another step on the long journey back to normality.
From Monday almost all legal restrictions on social contact will be removed in England.
There will be no limits on how many people can meet, social distancing guidance will be removed in most places.
And face coverings will no longer be required by law indoors in public places, although some shops and transport operators will still require masks.
Nightclubs will be able to reopen and pubs and restaurants no longer table-service only.
There will also be no limits on guests at weddings and funerals and no limits on people attending church, concerts, theatres or sports events.
However, despite the fanfare over the removal of restrictions, county public health director Sarah Scott says it is still really important that people get vaccinated, wash their hands regularly and wear a face covering to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
“We are not calling July 19 freedom day at all. We see it as the next step on our journey to normality,” she said.
“We no longer have a legal requirement to wear face coverings and socially distance but we know they are a really useful way to reduce the spread.
“I think many businesses and residents will continue with some or all of these measures.
“Regular handwashing helps and rapid testing helps us control the spread, so that is still important.
“Test, trace and isolate will still play a role in managing the virus.
“It still remains a legal requirement to self-isolate if you are Covid positive. You are able to transmit the disease so it is really important you self-isolate.”
She said the county’s rate is now at 260.6 positive cases per 100,000 which is now below the average for the South West and England.
Most cases are still among the youngest people in the county, in particular those from 15 to 24.
“We tend to see more younger people in lower paid jobs and they tend to be public facing so you have a greater chance of catching it and you are more likely to be unvaccinated.
“The rate of increase is slowing down so that indicates that our cases might be about to plateau but we don’t know.
“Our hospital admissions remain really stable and low.”
Ms Scott said data modelling suggests that coronavirus cases will continue to increase until around August.
And for that reason it is still very important for people to get both doses of the vaccine.
“It’s going to be very interesting to see how individuals and communities will respond after July 19,” she said.
“We might see people going out to a nightclub and having fun doing the things they haven’t been able to do.
“You can’t blame people for that we’ve acted with the best community spirit for 18 months now.
“It’s been a really confusing time and everyone is desperate for a sense of normality.
“We need people to be vaccinated but we do have to take some measures to get back to normal.
“What’s really important is that we all try and get both doses of the vaccines. And we consider the benefits of the frequent hand washing wearing masks and social distancing.
“Just think about it for yourself and your family.”
