COVID-19 restrictions are due to be lifted tomorrow, Monday, July 19, but Devon County Council says that does not mean that the risks from Covid-19 have disappeared.

Instead it marks a new phase in the government’s response to the pandemic during which people need to manage the risks to themselves and others as the country learns to live with the virus. 

The government recommends the following:

• Meeting in well-ventilated areas where possible, such as outdoors or indoors with windows open • Wearing a face covering where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet in enclosed and crowded spaces • Washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day • Covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze • Staying at home if unwell, to reduce the risk of passing on other illnesses to friends, family, colleagues, and others in your community • Considering individual risks, such as clinical vulnerabilities and vaccination status.

People are still urged to get vaccinated and to self-isolate and get tested if they have symptoms. 

It will remain a legal requirement for people to self-isolate if they test positive or are told to do so by NHS Test and Trace. They also want everyone to continue to download and use the latest version of the NHS Covid-19 app to help reduce the spread of the virus.

You may choose to limit the close contact you have with those you do not usually live with in order to reduce the risk of catching or spreading Covid-19, particularly if you are clinically extremely vulnerable.

It is important to respect and be considerate of those who may wish to take a more cautious approach as restrictions are lifted.