The easing of restrictions comes as the UK and other European countries are experiencing a sudden spike in cases, driven largely by the Delta variant. Cases and hospital admissions are doubling roughly every fortnight at the moment, with current trajectories suggesting the UK is now facing a third wave of COVID-19. Freedom Day has received considerable opposition with more than 1,200 leading doctors and scientists signing a letter condemning Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to forge ahead, describing it as “unscientific and unethical”.

       Vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi defended the easing of restrictions, though.

       He said: “There is no perfect time.

       “But at a time when schools are on summer holidays – that brings downward pressure on the number of infections – and our high levels of vaccinations, I think this is the right time to cautiously proceed.”

       Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said lifting all coronavirus restrictions in one go is "reckless".

       READ MORE: Boris Johnson to hold urgent Freedom Day press conference at 5pm

       All legal limits on the numbers meeting indoors and outdoors have now been scrapped and all businesses can reopen, including nightclubs - for the first time since March 2020.

       The instruction to work from home has also been binned - although ministers are encouraging firms to implement a gradual return to the office - and the limit on named visitors to care homes will be lifted.

       In a move towards restarting international travel, from today children and adults who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus do not have to quarantine on their return to England from amber list countries.

       Face masks are no longer mandatory in shops and on most public transport after the remaining coronavirus restrictions were lifted in England today.

       However, the Government has said people will still be expected to wear face coverings in certain situations and ministers have urged people to “respect” businesses and transport providers insisting on mask wearing continuing.

       Health leaders, local politicians, shop bosses and transport chiefs have all said that they will continue to require or encourage people to wear face coverings.

       Dr David Nabarro, a World Health Organisation special envoy on COVID-19, urged people to continue with preventative measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

       "My recommendation is simply wear your mask, don't get too close to people, watch out in confined spaces and remember this virus hasn't gone away," He told Sky News.

       Although legal restrictions have been lifted, Mr Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak are currently isolating after coming into close contact with Health Secretary Sajid Javid, who has tested positive for COVID-19.

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