England Has Lifted Most Of Its COVID-19 Restrictions, Even As U.K. Cases Are Up 41%

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2021/07/19/ [login to see] /england-has-lifted-most-of-its-covid-19-restrictions
England has lifted most of its domestic COVID-19 restrictions, marking a milestone as the country moves into a new phase of pandemic life — what some have dubbed "Freedom Day."

Young people gathered at nightclubs just after midnight to celebrate the return of crowds to raucous indoor spaces. "This is what life's about," one clubgoer said.

The move to phase 4 of the country's reopening plan means that there are no limits on the size of social gatherings or events, and two meters of social distancing is no longer required. The government still recommends meeting outdoors when possible.

Requirements to wear face coverings have been lifted, though masks are still recommended in crowded areas like public transport. They are still required on the London Tube. And the government is no longer instructing people to work from home if possible, though it anticipates a gradual return to the office.