WITH ‘Plan B’ restrictions lifted across England today (Thursday, January 2) the wearing of face masks will no longer be mandatory in shops and on public transport.

The restrictions were put in place in December in an attempt to slow down the spread of the Omicron variant.

However, the Prime Minister announced last week that all restrictions, including the use of Covid passes for large sporting events, would be scrapped. The decision came after the country passed the peak of infections with cases of the virus now very much in decline.

We asked business leaders and Guardian readers for their views on the decision and whether they were happy to see the back of face coverings and other restrictions.

Lina Higuita, Centre Manger at Barons Quay said: “Our tenants and customers have always been quick to react to the changing levels of restrictions to help keep everyone safe during the pandemic.

"We hope that the easing of restrictions this week will give people the confidence to shop locally and visit our cafes and restaurants, who have found the last few months challenging.

"However, I want to reassure people that many of our safety measures will remain.

"We will continue with our enhanced cleaning regime, including the regular cleaning of all touch points such as the travellator handrails, lift areas and bins. We encourage people to use the hand sanitisers available and continue to be respectful of others."

John Fielding, co-owner of The Core, a business all about improving health and well-being, said he would continue to be sensible, for the sake of his members, but how the pandemic had led many to seek out new ways of self-improvement.

“We see so many people taking the positive step towards exploring improved health and wellness by understanding and practising better nutrition habits,” he said.

“Investing in our immune system has become more of a focus for many more people in recent months and years.

“The benefit of exploring these steps within a community is huge and it’s good to be able to provide a safe environment locally where people can support and motivate each other.

“We will continue to be sensible to risk as the situation evolves.”

Joanne Wright, commenting on the Guardian’s Facebook page, said the lifting of restrictions had come ‘too soon’, adding: “Yes most definitely I’ll keep wearing masks in all public places.

“It’s far too much too soon.”

Meanwhile, Neil Robinson accused the Government of only making the decision out of desperation.

He said: “The government is only doing this because they are desperate.

“There is still a pandemic and wearing a mask would still reduce the risk of someone vulnerable catching the virus.”

However, plenty of our readers are more than happy to see the back of restrictions, including Laura Amphlett, who said she wouldn’t be wearing a mask any longer.

She said: “Personal choice though if people want to, fair enough, if people don't, leave them alone.”