RECAP: How Sunderland reacted to 'Freedom Day' and details of latest Downing Street press conference

The Government removed Covid-19 social distancing restrictions on Monday, opening up the opportunity for crowds to flock back to major sports occasions.

The Premier League and the English Football League will continue to weigh up whether to press ahead with allowing full crowds back into stadia for the start of the new season next month.

Premier League bosses will continue to consider the use of Covid certification for fans to gain entry to stadiums, despite the Government having no plans to enforce such measures.

Jennifer Dawson, 45, runs Jennifer’s Flowers in Blandford Street. “It has been really quiet today,” she said. “It’s always a bit hit and miss when the kids are off because people don’t want to bring them into town.”

She is letting people decide for themselves but said many were not changing their behaviour.

“We are just letting people make their own minds up,” she said. “A lot of people have still got their masks on. I am not particularly worried. I have been double jabbed.”

Jennifer’s husband Fred, 52, runs Pop’s Candy.

He has been less than impressed with the Government’s handling of the pandemic.

“It is a complete mess,” he said. “From the beginning, they have said one thing then contradicted themselves.

“If people want to wear a mask, they can but I’m not going to enforce it.”

Our reporter Kevin and photographer Stu are out in Sunderland finding out what businesses think of the lifting of lockdown.

Hayley Metcalfe, 31, is manager at Waterstones in The Bridges. “We have not seen a major change at all,” she said.

“Most people are still wearing their masks and social distancing and a lot of them are still sanitising. It has been a little busier in terms of footfall but I don’t know whether that is down to it being the school holidays, rather than Freedom Day.”

Liz Llewellyn, 22, works at Gatsby in Park Lane. “It has been nice,” she said.

“We are able to have a bit more of a joke with people, especially the regulars. But I think people are still getting used to the fact they can come to the bar again.”

Jade O’Brien, trainee manager at Lush, said: “Things have not changed that much. People are still wearing masks, people are still keeping their distance. Footfall wise it has been a little more but we often see that when the schools are off.

“Certainly there are a lot of kids in the centre.”

Matthew Ellison, assistant manager at Port of Call, said he had seen a difference in behaviour between age groups.

“The younger age group are not wearing their masks but the older people still are,” he said.

“Some people are coming to the bar, but others are still preferring table service.”

We’re approaching today’s press conference with Prime Minister Boris Johnson at around 5pm today.

Ahead of that, the Commons Speaker has pleaded with MPs to continue wearing face coverings and “not push the limits for the sake of it” following the easing of restrictions in England.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle told the chamber he was “very worried” after a “large number” people were contacted to isolate, with Deputy Speaker Dame Rosie Winterton among those unable to attend.

Unions representing staff based in Parliament have previously written to the Speaker to push him to reconsider guidance for post-July 19, in which politicians will be encouraged to wear a mask but will not be mandated to have one on.

It is compulsory, however, for staff on the estate to continue to have to wear a covering.

In reply to the unions, Sir Lindsay last week said there was “no meaningful way” for him to force MPs to wear a face covering from Monday.

Sir Lindsay, making a statement at the start of proceedings on Monday, said: “With the increasing infection levels in the community and people having to isolate, I strongly advise that everyone on the estate should wear face coverings when moving around, assessing catering venues and in the areas they consider crowded, including the chamber.

“We have four sitting days before the House rises.

“I really want us to behave safely, responsibly, during these few days.

“None of us wants to risk taking Covid back to our families, staff or constituents and I’m sure we will want everyone working on the estate to feel safe and secure, and to ensure the business of this House continues.

“I’ve got to say we’ve certainly got a large number of people that have been contacted so I’m very worried about the outcome.

“Four days to go, I want us all to have a good break and enjoy our holidays so hopefully we will take it seriously and not push the limits for the sake of it.”

It has been confirmed by No 10 Downing Street Boris Johnson will virtually lead a Government press conference today at 5pm to mark the lifting of most legal coronavirus restrictions in England.

The Prime Minister will appear via video link from his official country residence Chequers where he is in self-isolation.

UK chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and England’s deputy medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam will also contribute from Downing Street.