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.
9. Holidaying at home became a treat
As much as we all craved jetting off to sunnier climes, the prospect of having some semblance of a break was thrilling, even if it couldn’t be abroad. But the lack of foreign travel has made us fall in love with the many wonderful places right here in the UK. Photo: Hugh Hastings
10. Everyone got excited about a jab
Who would have thought going for an injection would be so exhilarating? The approval of the coronavirus vaccines was a monumental moment and brought hope to millions that the pandemic would finally come to an end after such a devastating year. Photo: TOLGA AKMEN