RESIDENTS have been urged to proceed with caution as Covid restrictions are relaxed further today.

The Government is removing all legal coronavirus restrictions, meaning residents will no longer be forced to wear masks indoors and social distancing will be scrapped.

The move also means all businesses can reopen - with nightclubs finally able to welcome back revellers.

Some are calling it Freedom Day, but with rising coronavirus cases across England, a significant “exit wave” of infections is being predicted.

Paul Dundas, leader of Colchester Council, said now was not the time for throwing caution to the wind.

“My message would be to be cautious,” he said.

“There is a move away from legal restrictions towards people using common sense. I don’t want Monday to be a big day - I want it to be a small step towards normality.

“I do not want people to think this marks the end of Covid, because it doesn’t.”

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The Conservative councillor said the council’s policy would see councillors and staff continue to wear masks, and he would encourage residents to do the same where possible.

“I hope we won’t see more restrictions in the future but the last 15 months have shown us you cannot say anything for sure with Covid,” he said.

Covid rates in north Essex are continuing to climb. Colchester’s average infection rate in the week to July 11 was 340 cases per 100,000 people, with 662 cases recorded.

This has increased from 237.8 cases per 100,000 people a week earlier.

Six parts of the borough have infection rates above the England average - Abbey Field, Central Colchester, Old Heath and Rowhedge, Prettygate and Westlands, Mile End and Braiswick and Shrub End.

Tendring’s average infection rate in this week was 217.7 cases per 100,000 people, with 319 case confirmed.

The rule changes from today will see theatres and arts venues once again able to open at full capacity.

Colchester Arts Centre has announced it will reopen for the first time in 15 months on Saturday.

During its enforced closure the building has undergone a significant refurbishment programme with new seating, sound and lighting equipment all installed.

The venue is now more accessible and its toilets have been upgraded and redecorated.

Director Anthony Roberts said: “I don’t know about anybody else but as for me there’s only so much Netflix a man can take. I’m desperate.”

Visit colchesterartscentre.com.