AS Covid-19 legal restrictions are lifted today (Thursday), Devon’s Director of Public Health Steve Brown has urged people to be cautious as we move out of Plan B.

‘Case rates are still high and it is important that people understand that this announcement is not one of ‘freedom day’, but a reverting back to plan A,’ he said.

265 new people in Teignbridge had a confirmed positive test result reported on January 25. Between January 19 and 25, 1,585 people had a confirmed positive test result. This shows an increase of 30.1% compared to the previous seven days.

Mr Brown stressed: ‘Omicron is by no means a mild virus, and the symptoms to those who are unvaccinated or who have underlying health concerns can be extremely serious if not life threatening.

‘So while the Prime Minister is indicating light towards the end of the tunnel, my advice is that we are not yet out of the woods. We must stay vigilant and alert to risk that is still around us.’

Under the changes announced by the Prime Minister earlier this week:

The government is no longer asking people to work from home

Wearing face coverings is no longer advised for staff and pupils in secondary school and college classrooms

From January 27: Face coverings will no longer be advised for staff and pupils in communal areas of secondary schools, nor for staff in communal areas of primaries.

From January 27: Venues and events will no longer be required by law to check visitors’ NHS COVID Pass

From January 27: There is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering.

The government is suggesting that you continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.