Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb says with infection rates rising, the relaxing of social restrictions is "all a bit unknown".

"It's an agile situation and we have to react accordingly," she told BBC Politics Midlands.

On the issue of mask use, Ms Webb, Conservative, said that despite the legal requirement no longer being in place, people would feel a sense of responsibility to continue where sensible.

"I just don't think people need that dictat anymore and they've been through the worst 16 to 18 months of their lives, in terms of this pandemic.

"And I think they all know their own personal responsibility and contribution or what they need to do to ensure we navigate the next months."

A man with a weakened immune system is calling for recognised, wearable symbols that indicate the need to observe social distance around individuals with the condition.

Neil Collingwood, 64, from Leek, Staffordshire, said the ending of England's lockdown rules on 19 July was not good news for people less able to fight off Covid-19.

Image source, Neil Collingwood

He has made a prototype arm band.

It "is bright orange and uses the universal symbol for first aid," Mr Collingwood explained.

He has it in mind for adults with weakened immune systems, or who are immuno-suppressed, and less able to battle infections naturally.

A teacher who's been treated for blood cancer says more needs to be done to protect people vulnerable to Covid.

Wendy Turner from Kings Heath in Birmingham has had two jabs but cancer treatment has left her unable to create virus anti-bodies.

Although restrictions are being eased she says people should still wear masks in confined spaces, and under-18s need to be vaccinated to protect others in their household.

Most legal restrictions on social contact were lifted in England shortly after midnight.

But does an end to the rules mean there's an end to the virus? Far from it.

Some scientists are predicting that UK infections - currently at about 50,000 a day - could reach 200,000 a day later in the summer.

The better news is that with more than 68% of UK adults fully vaccinated, modelling suggests hospital admissions, serious illness and deaths from Covid-19 will be at a lower level than in earlier peaks.

So, why the easing of restrictions?

The prime minister said now was the "right moment" to move to the final stage of England's roadmap out of lockdown. "If we don't do it now we've got to ask ourselves, when will we ever do it?" he asked, urging caution nonetheless.

Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth, meanwhile, said ending legal mask requirements and the recommendation to work from home was "reckless".

We'll bring you the local stories of those wary of the changes - and their personal reasons - in a moment.

Many nightclubs around England reopened in the early hours of Monday as restrictions eased, including The Buttermarket in Shrewsbury.

Club-goers gathered at the side of the dance floor as the DJ counted down to midnight, at which point Rozalla's song Everybody's Free was played.

Image source, The Buttermarket

For some, though, the song's lyrics will seem empty. We'll bring you their story shortly.

James Pearson
Political reporter, BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester

I'm at Bromsgrove railway station in Worcestershire this morning asking commuters how they feel about the lifting of legal restrictions and how it affects face coverings.

So far there are more mask-wearers than non-mask wearers and plenty of social distancing.

Accountant James has been using the train to get into Birmingham for months now.

He says he’ll continue to wear a mask on a train, and thinks it’s the right time to make it a personal choice.

College student Niall wasn’t aware the rules have relaxed today.

He says he understands why many will continue to wear masks, but says with regular testing at college he has confidence he won’t spread the virus.

A moment ago, we brought you a breakdown of how the lifting of Covid rules affects face coverings.

For instance, while the legal requirement on mask use on public transport is over, operators of the Tube in London insist coverings be worn.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has declared masks mandatory on public transport in the English capital. But Mr Khan, unlike his counterparts across England, has the power to make it compulsory.

So what's happening locally if there isn't the same imperative, and the law can no longer bring itself to bear?

Image source, WMCA

West Midlands mayor Andy Street is urging public transport passengers to continue wearing their masks.

He says it's a "simple expectation" on those travelling across his part of the region.

Here's more from Mr Street on the issue...

Face coverings have been a feature of daily life for more than a year. But what's the situation now restrictions are being lifted in England?

The key thing here is the law. Monday's easing of restrictions means there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a mask in the places we've been putting them on.

That said, it doesn't mean they're automatically a thing of the past.

Image source, PA Media

Some shops and transport will still require masks because businesses and travel operators can set their own rules. You might not be breaking the law if you refuse to wear one, but you would be bypassing their stipulation - and potentially be asked to leave for doing so.

For example, in London, wearing a face covering is a condition for travel on the Tube.

But how's it looking in the West Midlands? We'll bring you a roundup shortly.

Facebook

Over on the BBC Midlands Facebook page, external we asked for your comments as restrictions are lifted.

Here is what some of you have been saying...

Let us know your thoughts via Twitter,, external Facebook , externaland email.

Here's a roundup of how life looks in the West Midlands, now that most Covid restrictions in England are lifted...

There are no limits on how many people can meet or attend events, nightclubs can reopen, and table service will not be necessary in pubs and restaurants.

Face coverings will be recommended in some spaces, but not required by law.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged caution as restrictions on social contact are lifted.

Image source, Getty Images

Welcome to our live service on 19 July as coronavirus restrictions are eased in England

How are you feeling? For some there may be a sense of relief, but for some, the switch may not afford much day-to-day change as they continue to isolate, while for others, the move could even be a source of anxiety.

Let us know via Twitter,, external Facebook, external and email.