While the restoring of freedoms has been a long-time coming, this final stage of lifting restrictions hasn’t been quite the celebratory day we’ve all been hoping for. Removing restrictions comes fraught with warnings to continue life with caution, to maintain the wearing of face masks in crowded and enclosed spaces, and to be mindful of mingling too closely with the vulnerable. Professor Chris Whitty has warned the UK is far from being out of the woods yet and with coronavirus cases still rising, it is expected that hospitalisation will surge over the coming weeks. But the vaccination programme does offer some hope in keeping cases under control and allowing the freedoms restored on 19 July to be enjoyed. As we move into this next unpredictable phase, here’s a look back on some of the weirdest, sometimes wonderful, and downright surreal moments that we have faced over the course of the pandemic.
5. Zoom became the new social hangout
With no pub to go to on a Friday night, zoom became the social hangout to catch up with family and friends and knock back a few too many glasses of wine. While it was a great way to keep in touch, there was always that one person who struggled to find the un-mute button. Photo: Shutterstock
6. We fell in love with quizzes and baking
Online pub quizzes became the new must-do activity at the weekend, while many of us used the extended time at home to brush up on our baking skills. Apparently a lot of us favoured banana bread above all else. Photo: Shutterstock
7. The time we all ate out to help out
Summer 2020 was predominantly spent eating out to help out, with thousands making the most of the government discount scheme to enjoy the novelty of eating out again at restaurants across the country. Photo: BEN STANSALL
8. The Christmas Covid train
Christmas festivities were cancelled at the last minute as the government decided to reduce the number of days people could celebrate together indoors, putting plans in jeopardy for millions. The announcement caused chaos as thousands packed trains leaving London in a bid to get home before the new rules kicked in. Photo: Harriet Clugston