Mask-wearing and Covid passes may no longer be the law - but they're still a good way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
That was the message from the North East's public health leaders on the day that the government lifted its 'Plan B' coronavirus restrictions.
Brought in in December in a bid to slow the rising tide of Omicron infections, the restrictions had meant a return to legally mandated masks, working from home, and other measures.
Go here for the latest coronavirus updates and breaking Covid-19 news
But on Thursday they were scrapped, as infection rates fell across the country.
Although the North East has seen a dip in cases, numbers in this part of the world are still high, and local experts continue to recommend a cautious approach, with the risk that a change in rules could lead to another spike in the disease.
Alice Wiseman, director of public health for Gateshead, said: "What we are seeing in Gateshead, after a massive rise in cases over the Christmas period, [is] a reduction in cases, but where we stand at the moment is we've got over 1,000 per 100,000 who've tested positive in the last week, so as with any relaxation there is always a risk of further transmission.
"That's really why this campaign is so important this morning, just reminding people of those small steps they can take to hopefully keep our economy and our society open over the next few weeks and months.
"It's a national policy decision to lift the restrictions we are in a slightly different place in the North East in terms of we had Omicron reach us later and so therefore it will also leave us later.
"But the other position we're in is a really great position in terms of the vaccine programme... that vaccine programme has largely severed the link for many people between infection and severe illness and the thing that's different now is that a large number of people, over 80% of people over 12 have received all the vaccines that they need to keep their immunity at the highest level possible.
"So while we are still going to keep on going to make sure that's offered to all the population we are in a different place to where we were in December with levels of immunity in the population as a whole."
Along with colleagues at the other LA7 North East local authorities, the Gateshead public health team is now backing a new campaign urging people to stay vigilant against Covid-19, with steps such as continued mask wearing, lateral flow testing, and use of ventilation.
Taking these "less disruptive" steps could, Ms Wiseman said, mean the country avoids being plunged into another lockdown.
Ms Wiseman added: "Just because the law changes doesn't mean those steps that you can take change.
"We all want to get back to normality but moving between restrictions and lockdown is not good for anybody so if you take really simple steps, you know, keeping the face masks on when you're in public places, making sure you've got ventilation if you're having people over to the house, particularly if you're going to see somebody who is more vulnerable. Taking a regular test to make sure that you aren't infected and therefore aren't infecting other people...
"It's thinking about what are the things we can all do that will mean we'll be in a better place as a community. The last thing we want to do is end up back in any sort of restrictions, so really it's on us now to do the right thing and try and minimise the spread."
She warned that whilst for some, who've had all three of their jabs, the Omicron variant has proved a more "mild" disease, for others, including those who aren't protected, it can be serious, with small numbers of Omicron patients currently being treated in intensive care. The best way to avoid serious illness is to be vaccinated, and she urged anyone who has not yet taken up thgeir jabs to consider doing so.
She said: "People don't need to worry if they've been anxious about coming forward earlier, actually if you've had a change of heart and you want to be able to start mixing with your friends without the anxiety of that infection, then come forward.
"Our NHS is doing a sterling job and they are more than happy to have a conversation with people who maybe have further questions and I would rather people got answers to those questions from a reliable source rather than some of the misinformation that we've been seeing on social media."
The new campaign will featuring eye-catching artwork and stirring slogans at locations around the region, reminding people of what they can do to minimise the disruption and danger Covid can cause. On Thursday, local graffiti artist Mul put the finishing touches on one of the series of artworks, a brightly coloured mural he'd created to help spread the word.
Speaking about the power of art to carry persuasive messages, Jill Cole from creative arts organisation Northern Heartlands, said: “Throughout the ages art has had the ability to convey powerful, enduring messages to communities in a way that cuts through the noise. If you think back to World War II you immediately think of Keep Calm and Carry On and the slogans and artwork that typified the era.
“Over the past two years we’ve all been inundated with messaging about covid and the latest rules. At times it’s felt a little overwhelming but with this new campaign the councils are working with local artists to get their unique, creative take on what it means to live with Covid.
“Whether that’s mask wearing, getting boosted or testing yourself regularly, the artists and illustrators are creating eye-catching works that will stop us in our tracks and remind us all of the simple steps we can all take to do our bit while living alongside coronavirus.”
For the latest local news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
