BUSINESSES are today celebrating the lifting of Covid restrictions that have crippled them for 16 months - but council and health bosses urged people to remain cautious as cases continue to rise.

All restrictions - including social distancing, mandatory mask wearing, home working and school bubbles - have now been lifted by the government as the country marks 'freedom day'.

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Dorset Echo: The Closet, in Maiden Street, one of Weymouth's most popular night out destinationsThe Closet, in Maiden Street, one of Weymouth's most popular night out destinations

The moves mean nightclubs can reopen fully for the first time since the rules were imposed in 2020.

Jamie Crage, owner of The Closet, in Weymouth, said: "We welcome restrictions being lifted.

"We're excited to be able to get back to what we do best.

"At this time I'm nervous as it's been such a long time and with the rise in cases currently it's a worry.

Dorset Echo: Jamie Crage, owner of The ClosetJamie Crage, owner of The Closet

"We understand that the pandemic is far from over. However, we will continue to keep in place as many Covid secure procedures as possible because we want people to be able to feel safe looking after our team - and people's safety will remain paramount.

"Overall, we are hoping for a successful welcome back with our freedom party on July 19.

"It feels like freedom.

"We will be keeping to some aspects of table service, but overall it will be great to interact with customers again at the bar."

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Dorset Echo: Actors, in Maiden StreetActors, in Maiden Street

Actors, in Weymouth's Maiden Street, held a celebration event from midnight - but said safety remained paramount for customers and staff.

Boss Parviz Marseh, said: "It's great for people to enjoy themselves, but we need to remember there could be consequences.

"Safety is important and we will be keeping as many Covid secure procedure in place as we move forward."

"Next Friday will be the first weekend we've have been fully open in around18 months.

"In a month's time we could be shut again, so my message to the public is come to our venue, but if you feel unwell or may have symptoms, please check - and keep sanitising.

"It's going to be a major plus that customers can go up to the bar themselves instead of staff doing table service.

"It's going to be a lot less stressful."

Despite the lifting of regulations, health bosses said there was 'still a lot of work to do' to make the transition to normality a smooth one.

Professor Debbie Stark, PHE South West Regional Director and NHS Regional Director of Public Health for the South West said: "This is the most significant milestone for the country in almost 16 months. But as a region, we still have a lot of work to do if we are to make this transition smoothly, because the virus will not disappear and we’re not in a position where we can say there is no risk.

"Cases are increasing in the South West and they are expected to rise further over the coming weeks, especially as we mix more with others.

"We also know that a large number of people will be coming to visit our region and support local businesses that have been most affected by the pandemic.

"We all need to do our best to support each other and keep ourselves and those visitors safe. Covid isn’t taking a holiday this year.

"Social distancing and stay at home rules have protected us all during the pandemic and have enabled us to suppress the virus at vital times to keep our NHS from being overwhelmed.

"The success of the vaccine rollout undertaken by our incredible NHS colleagues means we can get moving independently again."

"Whilst there will no longer be a need to legally enforce rules like mask wearing and social distancing, we all need to use our own judgement, common sense and courtesy when making decisions. Just because the rules say you can do something, doesn’t mean you have to."

All Dorset Council services will be operating fully from today - although the authority has decided to retain some measures despite the legal lifting of restrictions.

Council staff in customer-facing roles are being 'strongly encouraged' to continue wearing face coverings, as will customers visiting indoor premises. Safety screens and hand sanitiser will remain in place in customer-facing settings, and enhanced cleaning regimes will continue. Council staff who have been working from home during the pandemic will also continue to do so, with the council saying any future return to office working will be 'cautious and gradual'.

Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “There is optimism as the country approaches its final stage of easing restrictions on 19 July. However, the pandemic is not over: Covid continues to carry risks for us all and numbers of cases are rising again across the country and here in Dorset.

“The safety of our residents and our staff is our top priority and we are appealing to everyone to respect our arrangements. The people of Dorset have been great at playing their part and following the Covid rules over the past 16 months, and we’ve had lower rates of Covid than many other areas as a result. Although the Covid rules will no longer be law from 19 July, they still provide very important guidance for us all.

“I urge everyone to get both jabs when you are able to do so. And it’s still important to remember ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’, use lateral flow tests twice weekly, and make sure you self-isolate if you test positive. Please continue to look out for yourself and for others, and together we can reduce spread of the virus.”

Dorset Echo: Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset CouncilCllr Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said: “Restrictions will be lifted but this does not mean that the risks from Covid-19 have gone away, so as a council we’re keeping some measures in place to protect staff and residents. Locally we have seen a spike in cases in recent weeks and this has been a reminder to us all that we are still living with the virus.

Dorset Echo: Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole CouncilSam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

“Many people will be looking forward to enjoying more freedoms, but with cases rising we know that many will also be feeling anxious about the coming weeks and months. The past year and a half has been tough for everyone, but it has also highlighted the best in our communities and we must keep this community spirit going by thinking of others and making sensible choices whilst we continue to live with Covid-19.

“Hands, face, space and fresh air remain critical to preventing the spread of the virus, and you should also consider individual risks like clinical vulnerabilities and vaccination status. The vaccine is available for free to anyone over 18, and you can get free lateral flow tests online or from a local pharmacy.”

Dorset Echo: Businesses fully reopen for the first time in 16 months. Picture (left) The Closet owner Jamie Crage with (top right) Dorset director of Public Health, Sam Crowe and (bottom right) Dorset Council leader Spencer FlowerBusinesses fully reopen for the first time in 16 months. Picture (left) The Closet owner Jamie Crage with (top right) Dorset director of Public Health, Sam Crowe and (bottom right) Dorset Council leader Spencer Flower