Many employees returned to their offices in Reading today for the first time this year, as the Government began scaling down Covid-19 restrictions.

Covid cases remain high in the town, with 305 infections recorded each day on average as of January 15, the latest data available.

At the peak of the Omicron wave, 407 new infections were recorded each day on average.

Working from the office was permitted from Thursday, January 20, and mask mandates were dropped in schools and colleges.

Read more: Reading and West Berks residents in court this week

Shoppers will not be required to wear masks in anywhere in England from January 27, though the Government ‘suggests’ you do in crowded and indoor spaces where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

You’ll also no longer need to show your NHS COVID Pass at venues and events by law.

Read more: Thousands of residents handed Covid fines while No 10 ‘held parties’

Last Monday, January 17, residents with Covid were told they can stop self-isolating at the start of day six if they get two negative rapid lateral flow test results on days five and six and do not have a temperature.

If either test is positive, they must wait until the next day before testing again

What do you think of the changes? Let us know in the comments below.