People seeing the GP in Suffolk should continue wearing a mask
Social distancing will remain in place as well.
Last updated 19th Jul 2021
People in Suffolk are being urged to continue following "hands, face, space" when visiting their GP surgery, despite national restrictions easing from today.
Patients and visitors are being reminded they must continue to wear a mask and social distance in healthcare settings.
It is to reduce the risk of vulnerable people coming into contact with Covid, and will also prevent outbreaks which could see practices closing temporarily.
The number of people allowed into GP practices will also still be limited.
Anyone who refuses to wear a face covering, unless they are medically exempt, will be refused entry into their GP practice.
Stuart Keeble, Director of Public Health at Suffolk County Council, said: "Covid-19 is still at a higher rate within our local communities than we would like. Until infection rates come down, every visitor increases the risk of infection either coming into a healthcare setting or going out with a visitor.
"If you or your loved one had a compromised immune system or were recovering after a serious operation, you would want our clinical colleagues to do everything they could to keep them safe. Please keep helping us so that we can help you and your loved ones."
What can and can't you do from July 19th in England?
What are the changes happening on 'Freedom day'?
From the 19th July in England, wearing facemasks is no longer compulsory. You'll no longer be legally required to wear one when you're out and about.
What are the changes happening on 'Freedom day'?
From the 19th there will be no legal limits on the size of groups that can gather, meaning no rule of six or bubbles to consider.
What are the changes happening on 'Freedom day'?
All social distancing rules are scrapped from the 19th July
What are the changes happening on 'Freedom day'?
From 'freedom day' workers are no longer being asked to work from home if possible, the government have said that people can go back into the workplace, even if they can do their job from home
What things are going back to normal?
Nightclubs and events like concerts, gigs and theatres will be able to re-open as normal from the 19th, although the government are encouraging venues like nightclubs to use Covid status certification, often called vaccine passports.
What things are going back to normal?
With no limit on the numbers that can gather and social distancing rules removed, Wedding sand funerals and other large occasions are back to normal.
What things are going back to normal?
Pubs and restaurants can go back to having people order at the bar and not have to have screens between tables, although it's thought many will keep some of the precautions in place.
Where do I need to wear a facemask?
Despite it no longer being a legal requirement, the government have made it clear that they recommend and expect facemasks to be worn in crowded areas and on public transport. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made facemasks compulsory on public transport in London, with travel operators around the country making their own decisions on rules.
What do you still have to do after 'Freedom Day'?
If you're pinged by the NHS test and trace app because you've been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus you do still have to isolate. The government announced this will be ending for those who have had both doses of the vaccine and those under 18, but that doesn't come into force until the 16th August
What do you still have to do after 'Freedom Day'?
Countries you can travel to and from and whether you need to quarantine are still regulated by the green, amber and red lists. Although from the 19th July people who have had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine will be able to return quarantine-free to England from amber list countries