Indoor hospitality and hugs get the green light from tomorrow as restrictions ease in England – and people are excited.
Sky News has spoken to people about what they are most looking forward to as more freedoms return, including meeting friends inside, trips to the cinema and theatre, and indoor dining being back on the menu.
Ellie Coole-Green
“It’ll be great just seeing friends again and being around people’s energy. Just being in people’s presence… people you love and care about.
“I’m definitely looking forward to hugs with family and friends.”
Ian Cooper
“I’m looking forward most to being able to go and watch my son playing sport.
“I’ve just driven him to Warwick and we weren’t allowed to go and watch so two hours to get there, not able to watch the rugby. I’m looking forward to that, that will be really good.
“It will nice to get up to see my dad. He’s in his 80s. I haven’t been able to see him since before Christmas.”
Emmanuel Amidi
“I’m looking forward to being back out with friends, family and being able to go indoors as well.
“We have been back together a bit but we can sit down together around a table now.
“I am a hugger and I haven’t been able to hug my mum for a quite long while because she lives in sheltered housing units so there has been more restrictions there.”
Emily, Justin and Millie Caust
Emily: “I’m looking forward to some more socialising groups for Millie really.
“It’s been quite isolating for her – she’s eight months.
“She is my first so I haven’t known any different but at the same time it’s been quite strange, not being around people.”
Justin: “Most of our family live a long way from us and with the lockdown rules we have not been allowed to see them.
“My family are in Cornwall and haven’t even met Millie yet.”
Aman Preet Singh
“Meeting my relatives that’s for sure – I feel it’s been way too long.
“Staying away from family has been really difficult, especially not seeing grandparents. I haven’t hugged my nan for ages.”