ALMOST all covid restrictions will be dropped on Monday, despite a third wave peak expected in August.
Legal restrictions on social contact will end, although residents are urged to proceed with caution.
The approach to managing the pandemic has changed, with more focus on “personal responsibility”.
Yet it is predicted there could be between 1,000 and 2,000 hospitalisations each day in mid-August, as infection rates continue to rise nationally.
In Wokingham, the infection rate is 202.2 cases per 100,000 — levels last seen in February during the second wave.
Health secretary Sajid Javid said case rates could reach 100,000 every day this summer, but said vaccinations had created a “protective wall” for the NHS to manage the third wave.
The prime minister said he wants the end of restrictions on Monday to be “irreversible” but to do so would need a cautious approach.
While the legal requirement to wear face masks has ended, Mr Javid said they were still “expected and recommended” in crowded indoor areas.
From Monday, nightclubs will be able to reopen, and capacity limits removed for all venues and events.
The prime minister said he will encourage nightclubs and large venues to check attendees covid status.
Using the NHS app, people will be able to show if they have been double jabbed or have had a negative test.
There will no longer be any limits on how many people can meet and the social distancing rule will be removed.
While working from home has been formally ended, guidance from ministers is a gradual return.
This means residents that are clinically vulnerable or have a compromised immune system will have no legal right to home working, even if the workplace has no social distancing or mask wearing.
Self-isolation rules are also changing — but not from Monday.
Residents told to self-isolate on the NHS Test and Trace app will have to follow this until Monday, August 16.
From there, it will be relaxed for anyone who has been double jabbed or is under 18.
Anyone who tests positive for the virus is still legally required to self-isolate.
Council leader John Halsall said residents should consider the health of others as well as their own.
“Please observe the social distancing rules and give people space,” he said. “You might not be worried about (covid), but someone next you might be.
“Consider wearing a face mask – it might protect others from you.”
He is also urging people to get a jab.
“We have to learn to live with the virus, but we don’t have everyone vaccinated.
“There is a group who will not have it and there are people waiting to have it.
“If you haven’t had a jab please do. Protect yourself and everyone else. “
