NEXT week on Monday, 19 July, we should see all legal Covid restrictions lifted in England after a four-week delay from the original date of 21 June.

Here's our breakdown of what it all means:

Face coverings, social distancing, care homes

You will no longer have to wear a face covering by law, but it's still being advised by the government and senior health officials.

Crowded places would include public transport and any indoor space where there are other people – in these situations, wearing a face covering is still recommended, despite it no longer being a legal requirement.

Social distancing will also be a thing of the past, and you'll be able to meet with as many people as you wish. However, Maldon and District CVS (MDCVS), which supports community and voluntary groups in the district, is backing the national campaign to be distance aware - an NHS initiative that enables individuals and organisations to encourage ongoing distancing, mask-wearing and the respect of individual social space.

MDCVS was one of the driving forces behind the Maldon District Coronvirus response team. Director Sarah Troop said: "As a charity who has been working hard to keep people safe throughout the pandemic, we are keen to carry on doing so."

You can find out more about the 'distance aware' scheme in the article at the link here.

In addition, there will no longer be any restrictions on the number of people who can visit care homes.

The government is advising people to meet outside where possible, however.

Restaurants, pubs, nightclubs

Restaurants and pubs will be able to serve standing customers, not just those at tables - and nightclubs will be able to reopen for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

However, the government is encouraging businesses to use something called the 'NHS Covid Pass' in high-risk settings.

The NHS Covid Pass 'allows you to check your Covid status and demonstrate that you are at lower risk of transmitting to others, through full vaccination, a recent negative test, or proof of natural immunity.'

Find out more at the link here.

Events, weddings, worship services

There will be no restrictions on the number of people allowed to attend weddings, funerals, or worship services.

Other large gatherings will also be permitted, such as football matches or music events.

Holidays

If you're fully vaccinated you won't have to quarantine after visiting amber list countries.

Working from home

The government 'expects and recommends' that people return to the workplace over the summer.