"Freedom Day" (19th July) - What changes

Face coverings

Masks will become voluntary in all settings, including shops, hospitality and public transport. However, the Government have recommended that people continue to wear face coverings in crowded areas such as on trains, trams and buses - although not venues such as nightclubs.

Social distancing/hospitality

All businesses that remain closed - including nightclubs - will be able to reopen, with no caps on capacity.

Mass events, such as music festivals, can restart. Singing in church will be allowed, and there will be no limit on the number of people at weddings and funerals.

Customers in pubs will be able to walk to the bar and be served there.

There will be no requirement to scan a QR code when entering a restaurant, gym, or any other venue.

Nor will businesses be required to collect customers' contact tracing details, although they may choose to do so if they wish.

Self-isolation

A requirement to self-isolate after testing positive or after coming into contact with an infected person will remain in place for those who are not fully vaccinated.

But those who are double-jabbed - as well as under 18s in England - will no longer have to self-isolate from 16 August, Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced on Tuesday.

The only caveat is that individuals must allow two weeks to pass after having their second jab before they are allowed to be exempt.

Nevertheless, if someone who has received two jabs tests positive for coronavirus they will still have to isolate for the allotted ten day period.

Care homes

At present, residents are limited to five named visitors. That limit will be dropped.

But there will be a limit on the number of visits per day, and infection control measures will remain in place.

Working from home

The requirement for people to work from home if possible will be dropped.

Asked if there would be a legal right not to go to work, if someone is concerned about their health, the prime minister's spokesman said the government was not introducing any new employment rights.

Quarantine-free travel and school isolation

The school bubble system will be scrapped in England from 16 August.

Secondary and college pupils will be required to take two tests on-site at the start of the autumn term and continue to take two tests a week at home until the end of September, when the policy will be reviewed.

From the autumn term, teachers who are fully vaccinated can remain in school if a close contact tests positive.