Devon's director of public health has urged residents to continue taking precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus – despite the easing of most legal restrictions on July 19.

The Prime Minister announced on Monday (July 5) that the Government is moving from state-imposed curbs on social gatherings to a 'personal responsibility' approach.

A final decision is to be made on Monday, July 12, but the plan is to remove all the restrictions a week later.

What will change on July 19

From July 19, people will be able to meet indoors again with as many others as they want to. Large-scale events including festivals will be allowed to take place, clubs can reopen and theatres and cinemas can return to normal capacity.

There will also be no limit on the number of people who can attend weddings and funerals.

The wearing of masks or other face coverings will also be voluntary.

Health experts' advice on mask wearing

Devon's director of public health, Steve Brown, is asking people to be aware that Covid-19 is an airborne virus that spreads in poorly-ventilated indoor areas where people are close together.

He said: "I echo Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer's clarification and confirmation that he will however continue wearing a mask, particularly at this point where the epidemic is clearly significant and rising."

During the Downing Street press conference, Professor Whitty cited three situations in which he would continue wearing a mask:

• In any situation which is indoors and crowded, or indoors within close proximity to other people. And that is because masks help protect other people.
• If required to do so by any competent authority
• If someone else were uncomfortable if he were not to wear a mask, then as a point of common courtesy, Prof Whitty would wear a mask.

The risk posed by the Delta variant of Covid

Steve Brown said: "Positive cases are rising across the UK and in Devon driven by the much more contagious Delta variant.

"Thankfully it is not yet reflected in the rate of hospital admissions or in Covid-19-related deaths, but those numbers are expected to rise, as positive cases rise.

"So while the restrictions are lifting, and there becomes greater responsibility on us to make our own decisions, the public health advice remains clear.

"Coronavirus is an airborne virus. It spreads most easily when people are in close proximity and when indoors in poorly ventilated spaces. The wearing of face coverings and maintaining social distance may not be legal requirements from the 19 July, but as the Prime Minister talked of 'balancing risk', I encourage people to not put themselves at unnecessary risk.

"Controlling the continued spread of the virus is down to us. We do that by being careful, and continuing to take precautions that protect ourselves and others.

"Please continue choosing to take steps that minimise risk to ourselves and to others, even when that choice is ours to make."