The UK government has announced the easing of lockdown restrictions in England from 19 July, controversially bringing an end to mandatory face masks, social distancing, and a requirement to work from home where possible.

The move to return workers to the office comes despite a rising tide of new covid-19 infections – linked to the new Delta variant of the disease – across the UK. Data shows a further 27,334 covid cases on Monday, with nine deaths within 28 days of a positive test.