On Monday July 19, we will see all legal COVID-19 restrictions lifted in England after a four-week delay from the original date of 21 June.

Here's our breakdown of what it all means for Macclesfield, and the rest of the country:

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.

This is especially true to our area, where cases of the highly transmissible Delta variant are continuing to rise right across Cheshire East (305 cases per 100,000 in the latest week 4 July to 10 July) and the borough remains in the Enhanced Response Area (ERA) designation.

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: "I fear the current situation with COVID cases rising and an increase in related hospitalisations, is only going to get worse before it gets better.

"Therefore, getting vaccinated is the best thing you can do to keep yourself and others closest to you safe. if you haven't taken up either your first or second jab yet, then please do so, as you need both doses for maximum protection.

"We are still advising to continue wearing a mask to protect others especially in crowded spaces or on public transport, and if you feel you should wear one in other settings or are in a situation where you think you should, then do wear it".

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 here.

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.

For full travel advice during the pandemic, please visit this webpage.

Working from home

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

Last week we broke down the latest cases, hospitalisations and vaccination figures for Wilmslow and the SK9 area. Please click here to read that story.

You can find more about the COVID-19 vaccine here

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