PEOPLE are again being urged not to get careless with the current Covid restrictions after Freedom Day was pushed back four weeks from this Monday.

Many had been hoping coronavirus restrictions would lift on June 21, and Oxford City Council fears some no longer take the rules seriously.

It says that in the race between the vaccine roll out and the new, faster spreading Delta variant, the things people do to protect each other are vital to slowing the spread.

Keeping a distance, wearing a mask when needed indoors and on public transport, and meeting outdoors, all help limit the opportunities to pass on the virus to others.

From Monday, weddings can have more than 30 guests, so long as they are socially distanced; care home residents will no longer routinely need to isolate if they leave the home; and overnight trips for out-of-school groups of up to 30 are allowed. But most of the requirements of step 3 remain unchanged.

City councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Safer, Healthier Oxford, said: “

I know that people feel the threat has diminished, and of course we are in a better place than January thanks to the NHS vaccine roll-out. But we’re seeing more careless behaviour around the rules, and that allows the virus to spread more

“Everyone can take action to slow the virus spread. Enjoy meeting friends and family safely, keep to six indoors and keep hugs for your closest friends and family. Keep sticking to the rules, hands face space and fresh air. What we do now will help the NHS vaccine roll out beat the virus.”