Oxford shoppers admitted to feeling ‘anxious’ as Freedom Day arrived yesterday.

The nationwide lifting of restrictions comes as Covid infection rates in the county continue to climb, with Oxford having some of the highest Covid infection rates in the country.

Despite the Government abolishing mandatory mask wearing, many locals said they would continue to wear them.

Two taxi drivers, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Oxford Mail they would continue to wear masks, and would not accept customers without face coverings.

Oxford Mail:

“We will continue to wear masks 100 per cent of the time and we will be asking our customers to do the same. If they don’t agree to wear a mask, we won’t take them,” they said.

As of yesterday, wearing a face covering is ‘advised’ but not mandatory, giving individuals and businesses the responsibility to minimise the spread of Covid through their own judgement.

Despite the change in Government guidance, shopping destination the Westgate Centre has kept up signs asking customers to wear masks unless exempt.

And local branches of McDonalds and Greggs have also kept up signs enforcing face coverings.

Freedom Day shopper Jenny Bates, a student at Oxford Brookes University, said she feels that the restrictions were eased a bit early and fears the situation getting worse.

“I am a bit anxious that not social distancing and not wearing masks might make the curve worse and at the moment cases in Oxford and UK are rising a lot.

“So it is a bit scary that restrictions are being lifted and I would rather just wait a bit until things get better. Until then, I’m going to wear a mask in public spaces.”

The Plough at 38, a gastropub in Cornmarket Street, has left the decision of masking up to its customers and staff.

Steve Jones, front of house manager at The Plough said: “We leave it entirely up to the individual. If you want to wear a mask, of course you can and if you don’t, we are happy with that as well. The same applies to our staff.”

On being asked if the pub has been busier than usual, Mr. Jones said ‘it’s a bit early to tell’ but it has been very busy over the last few days and weeks. 

Just down the road from The Plough, The Nosebag has a policy for the staff to wear a mask but it is not mandatory for the customers.

Caitlin Brookes, staff member at The Nosebag said: “We do advise people to wear a mask, but it is not mandatory. Most people tend to ask as they walk-in, whether they can or not.

“Even on a hot day like today, most people are happy to wear a mask until they sit down.”