July 19 changes - what you need to know here in Heswall

'Freedom Day' has dawned, but not in the way we had hoped for.

For some it is symbolic that three of the most powerful politicians in the country have been obliged to curtail their liberty and cut themselves off from human contact.

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, having been in close contact with the Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, who has tested positive for COVID-19, decided to join him in self-isolation - having first flirted with a daily testing pilot scheme instead.

Today has brought a new old world in which almost all legal restrictions have ceased to exist.

But there is enormous emphasis on caution and personal responsibility as the virus continues to surge.

And late last week, local Directors of Public Health issued a joint message to residents and businesses to continue to take COVID-19 safety precautions. You can read it here.

These are the main changes in effect now:

Social distancing

- There are no limits on how many people can meet, though we are advised to meet outside

- The 1m-plus social distancing guidance has been removed (except in some places like hospitals and passport control when entering)

Face coverings

- These are no longer required by law, although the government still "expects and recommends" them in crowded and enclosed spaces

- Some shops and transport operators will still require masks

Events and gatherings

- Nightclubs can now reopen

- Pubs and restaurants are no longer required to deliver table-service only

- There are no limits on the number of guests at weddings and funerals

- No limits on the number of people attending concerts, cinemas, theatres or sports events - though businesses and large events are encouraged to use COVID-certification as a means of controlling the spread of the virus

- And no restrictions on communal worship

Travel

- The guidance recommending against travel to Amber List countries has disappeared - but those returning from France to England, Wales and Scotland must still quarantine for 10 days

- Under-18s and fully vaccinated adults no longer have to self-isolate on their return from Amber List countries

The workplace

- People working from home should return to their workplaces gradually