FOLLOWERS of the News & Star on Facebook have been sharing their feelings about the end of lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced at a press conference on Monday that there would be an end to obligatory face mask wearing and the one meter plus social distancing rule.

The so-called “freedom day” is expected on July 19, with a decision on whether or not to go ahead being taken a week earlier.

Despite acknowledging that the pandemic was “far from over”, with infection rates and hospitalisations increasing, the Prime Minister said there was a need to “balance the risks” and ease restrictions as vaccination becomes more widespread and the “link” between infections and hospital transmissions is broken.

Although the legal requirement to self-isolate will remain for people who have tested positive or been identified as a contact by NHS Test and Trace, Mr Johnson wants contacts who are fully vaccinated to be exempt and the Government will set out further details in due course.

Commenting on Facebook, Dave Wilkinson said: "We've had our jabs that protect us. If you haven't you don't want one and don't care. Let us out. Without a mask!"

Julie Brown added: "Let’s get on with it, I can’t wear a mask much longer, it’s not natural, I feel like I’m suffocating."

However, many people are left feeling torn over the announcement, especially those who have been directly affected by Covid-19.

Susan Weaver wrote: "He can ease as much as he wants, I won't be. There's a big chance that after the 19th folk are gonna be contacted saying they have been close to someone who is positive. Phones will be pinging left, right and centre."

Judith Winder added: "No-one says you don't have to- it's the legal requirement that they are taking away. if you feel safer wearing one then you can. I will at certain times."

Emma Routledge said: "No absolutely not at all that’s why so many children have Covid and have to isolate."