The UK moved into step four of the Covid recovery roadmap this week as Boris Johnson lifted the remaining restrictions on social contact.
Regulations such as the rule of six and the compulsory wearing of facemasks are no longer a legal requirement and nightclubs have been allowed to re-open.
However, the decision to completely lift restrictions has come under heavy criticism as the number of positive Covid cases continue to surge around the country.
READ MORE: Liverpool struggling with low vaccine uptake and high infection rate
The government is working with local authorities to impose some measures to control the spread of the Coronavirus - and Liverpool City Region has been identified as one of the targeted areas - after 7,951 positive cases were recorded in the weekend ending July 17.
Although the 2m social distancing rule and order to minimise travel in and out or areas will still be removed, local residents are urged to remain cautious and follow the national guidance to:
- Wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport
- Meet outdoors where possible
- Let fresh air into homes or other enclosed spaces
- Consider minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.
The additional support package from the government will be in place for five weeks to allow for targeted local action - and includes:
- the option to deliver extra testing within targeted areas
- the provision of logistical support to maximise vaccine and testing uptake
- Further help for local campaigns and the option to work with secondary schools and colleges to temporarily reintroduce on site testing
- Proportionate use of face coverings in areas of high prevalence.
Liverpool joins areas including Warrington Borough Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Lancashire County Council.
Extra support offered to Birmingham is now being scaled back as the latest government data has shown that the support has helped slow the growth rate of COVID-19 in the area.
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