COVID-19 restrictions easing: Find out what you can and can't do from 19 July

England is moving to the final stage of easing COVID-19 restrictions today, Monday 19 July. Although the government has announced that almost all legal restrictions on social contact have been removed, it is important that you continue to do everything you can to keep your loved ones and community safe as COVID-19 infections continue to rise.

Wearing face coverings in GP Care Group locations, crowded places, and on public transport will help us control the spread of the virus and give people the confidence they need to go about their daily lives.

Tower Hamlets Council Mayor, John Biggs said: "While national restrictions are being lifted, I think the government should be encouraging people to continue to wear masks. It's important to recognise we still have a duty to one another and wearing a mask in certain situations will continue to keep our community safe.

COVID-19 is very much still here. Cases are rising rapidly and a third wave of the pandemic is underway. The COVID-19 intensive care unit has had to be reopened at the Royal London Hospital.

It is crucial that we remain vigilant and continue to play our part in stopping the spread of the virus. This includes taking regular tests and taking up the offer of both vaccine doses when it's your turn."

We all have a part to play in continuing to keep Tower Hamlets safe.

From Monday 19 July, you must do the following as part of Step 4 of the government's roadmap:

• You do not need to stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with. There are also no limits on the number of people you can meet.
• However, in order to minimise risk at a time of high prevalence, you should limit the close contact you have with those you do not usually live with and increase close contact gradually. This includes minimising the number, proximity, and duration of social contacts.
• You should meet outdoors where possible and let fresh air into homes or other enclosed spaces.
• The Government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can. However, the Government expects and recommends a gradual return over the summer.
• The requirement to wear face coverings in law has been lifted. However, the Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport.
• There are no longer limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, civil partnerships, funerals, and other life events (including receptions and celebrations). There is no requirement for table service at life events or restrictions on singing or dancing. You should follow guidance for weddings and funerals to reduce risk and protect yourself and others.
• There are no longer restrictions on group sizes for attending communal worship. COVID-19 has not gone away, so it's important to remember the actions you can take to keep yourself and others safe. Everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious.

Click here to find out what you should do to protect yourself and others