"I''m terrified": Vulnerable people in Cornwall share thoughts on 'Freedom Day'
Not everyone is happy about Covid restrictions lifting across the country
Vulnerable people across Cornwall have been sharing their thoughts about Covid restrictions being lifted on so-called 'freedom day'.
As of Monday (19th July) it is no longer a legal requirements to wear a face mask, although the government still recommends it in busy and enclosed areas, and limits on socialising have been scrapped.
Nightclubs can reopen, people can go back to the office, there are no limits on weddings or funerals, and pubs and restaurants no longer have to only offer table service.
Everything you can and can't do from 'Freedom Day'
But for some people the lifting of restrictions is causing quite a worry.
"Freedom day gives off the wrong meaning"
28-year-old Ross Lannon from Truro has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a condition that weakens the muscles.
The lifestyle and disability blogger uses an electric wheelchair 24/7 and is in the high risk and vulnerable category. He has spent a large part of the last 18 months shielding.
"I don't want to burst anyone's bubble or be a party pooper, but the term 'freedom day' does annoy me because we are far from this all being over. a lot of disabled people are still shielding, 'freedom day' gives off the wrong meaning I think.
"I'm very much in two minds about the whole thing, I completely understand we all want our old lives back and a bit of normality, but it really is just about finding that balance between living our lives again and keeping ourselves safe.
"I for one and keeping myself, apart from seeing my close friends and family, I'm very much keeping myself away from public places as best as a I can, and I will definitely be wearing my mask for the foreseeable."
Ross Lannon, Truro
"I'm terrified"
Sandy Lawrence is a mum from Quintrell Downs, near Newquay, who suffers from diabetes and Addison's Disease.
Her 18-year-old son Matthew has Downs Syndrome and is vulnerable to severe chest infections.
Their family are going back to shielding as restrictions lift, to try and keep themselves safe.
"It doesn't feel much like freedom for us, we need to protect Matthew and we need to protect me, and people not wearing masks or doing social distancing doesn't help me go out and about and be confident that we're going to stay safe.
"We're terrified, I'm terrified. I'm terrified that Matthew will get it. Even though we've been jabbed it's not 100%.
"If he has to be hospitalised we won't be allowed to be with him, so we've got a learning, disabled young man who won't understand the treatment that he's getting, won't cooperate with those treatments and will be all alone from his familiar family and friends.
"We have to do everything we can to protect him, so we won't be going to the beaches."
Sandy Lawrence, Quintrell Downs