Residents and visitors in Falmouth, Penryn, and Cornwall are being urged to act responsibly and remain cautious as Covid restrictions are lifted.

From today (July 19th) most legal restrictions will be lifted as we move to step 4 of the government's roadmap.

But while case numbers remain high, the council has issued a message, saying it is important everybody continues to act carefully and takes steps to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Cornwall Council's Public Health team is echoing the government message that people should continue to wear masks in crowded public spaces and on public transport.

People are also asked to respect any rules individual shops and businesses have put in place for the safety and peace of mind of their staff and customers.

From today:

• You will not need to stay two metres apart from people you don't live with.

• There will be no limits on the number of people you can meet.

• Face coverings will no longer be required by law, but it is expected and recommended that face coverings are worn in crowded areas and on public transport.

• There will no longer be limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, civil partnerships, funerals, and other life events.

Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said:

"We know Covid isn't going away any time soon and so have a simple request to people as they return to their everyday lives: be responsible and have respect for those around you.

"We would urge everyone to take their time and go at their own pace as we enter this new stage of the roadmap. Covid is still out there, and we all need to use our best judgment, consider the risks and continue to do our bit to help stop the spread."

She added: "The vaccine is our key weapon in fighting the virus and I cannot stress enough how important it is for everyone to get both jabs as soon as they can.

"My final message is to keep testing – the more people who embrace twice-weekly home testing, the more we can slow the spread of the virus by quickly identifying positive cases who must then self-isolate."

For the latest information on the guidelines, vaccines, and testing, click here.

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