BORIS Johnson's confirmation that he expects to lift the majority of the remaining Covid restrictions in England from July 19 has been cautiously welcomed in Lancashire.

The Prime Minister lifted the legal requirement to wear face masks in enclosed spaces and public transport, ended the one metre plus social distancing rule and the need for QR code sign-ins at restaurants.

He also scrapped the 'rule of six' for gatherings, table service in pubs and eateries, capacity limits in theatres and cinemas, and the closure of nightclubs.

But Mr Johnson warned that the pandemic was 'far from over and won't be over by July 19'.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Lancashire County Council's public health director, said: "The full lifting of restrictions is what all of us want.

"Cases of Covid-19 are still increasing across Lancashire. It is vital that anyone aged 18 gets both doses of the vaccine as this provides maximum protection against the Delta variant.

"We are also asking everyone in Lancashire to take a PCR test and then continue to test regularly with free, rapid tests

"This surge testing is being undertaken to tackle the Delta variant, and it is important that we keep the momentum going. We do need to learn to live with Covid-19, but we must not allow it to get the upper hand."

Miranda Barker, chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "We welcome the fact that all businesses will be able to reopen, and that there is a positive messaging now about their workforce coming safely back to the office.

"Some concerns remain about the removals of all legal requirements for masks in confined spaces such as public transport. All in all positive but still some caution and further clarity needed for businesses."

Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for health Cllr Damian Talbot said: "I welcome the announcement that employers will no longer be instructed to encourage people to work from home. We do all need to start returning to the normality and that means people going out to work.

"I know that the lifting of limits to numbers attending events will be welcomed. The most puzzling and I would suggest irresponsible element is the decision to end the mandatory wearing of face coverings in enclosed spaces. I very much fear that if people give up these measures we will see a rise in infections."

Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe said: "The statement made by the Prime Minister will come as a relief to many. The vaccine rollout has been a huge success and this truly is the light at the end of the tunnel."

Cllr Mohammed Khan, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "While we are all really looking forward to getting back to as normal as possible, there is still more clarity we need especially around whether the government will continue giving local advice to areas such as ours or if advice and guidance will apply across the whole country."

The leader of Burnley Council Cllr Afrasiab Anwar said: "I welcome the announcement. Most people want to return to some form of normality. I hope the government is not passing the buck by asking people to take individual responsibility simply because they have run out of ideas."

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “People in East Lancashire will welcome the relaxation of rules and life returning to normal. A lot of these require personal responsibility and we must all still work to keep our communities safe.”

Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham said: "In recent months we have seen the most successful vaccine rollout in our history, and the link between Covid-19 cases, hospitalisations and mortality has been broken. So much has been sacrificed by local residents since the pandemic and I know the relief that many will now feel".