Sidmouth: Covid restrictions - what's changing on Monday 19 July?

Tomorrow, Monday July 19, we should see all legal Covid restrictions lifted in England.

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 the government and senior health officials still advise it in some circumstances.

Steve Brown, director of Public Health Devon, said: "I am pleased to hear clarification from our prime minister that the wearing of face coverings in crowded places – which would include public transport and any indoor space where there are other people – is still recommended, despite it no longer being a legal requirement."

Social distancing will also be a thing of the past, and you'll be able to meet up 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.

However, the government is advising people to meet outside where possible.

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 here.

Events, weddings, religious services

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

Other large gatherings will also be permitted, such as football matches and 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.