Businesses have welcomed the news that England’s 'Plan B' Covid restrictions will be scrapped next Thursday - but some believe it could be a big risk.

With cases falling, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday that face masks will no longer be required and Covid passports will be binned.

Hannah Bourne, assistant manager of health food shop Naturalife Bridport, said: “Ultimately now it is up to our customers to decide if they want to wear masks or not and so we will respect their freedom of choice.

“We generally have an older demographic of customers in the shop and the most important thing is that they feel comfortable. We’ve been very lucky that our customers have continued to shop with us throughout and some may continue to wear masks despite them no longer being required.

“Things have calmed down significantly now regarding Covid and it didn’t really make sense that people would have to wear them to come into the shop but then could go into other indoor venues without having to follow the same restrictions.”

Geraldine Baker, from The Ropemakers pub, said: “Things have generally been OK for us and many of our customers have worn masks if they wanted to, even though they didn’t have to. Although the issue of Covid passports hadn’t actually affected us yet, it’s a really good thing that that is not going to happen.”

But not all businesses are happy with the decision to scrap restrictions, with one business owner saying the scrapping of the mask mandate in enclosed areas puts her customers and staff at increased risk of catching Covid.

Antonia Squire, owner of The Bookshop, said: “This announcement makes our lives a thousand times more difficult.

“The Omicron variant is everywhere and taking away masks risks our level of safety for our customers and staff.

“It is a last-ditch measure by a Prime Minister trying to save his job."

She added: “I believe the vast majority of our customers will continue wearing masks, which are simple and effective.

“We could request customers wear them but I would not put my staff in that position because it is not fair on them. It should come from the Government.”

Wanting people to remain cautious Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset Council said: “Although the government has announced the easing of Plan B measures from 27 January, it’s important to remember that we’re still living with Covid-19 – the virus hasn’t gone away.

“Though infection levels have fallen, case rates remain high locally. There are still lots of people across Dorset catching Covid-19 every day and becoming unwell. We should still keep doing anything we can to prevent transmission of the virus.

“Testing regularly is key. Please continue to take a lateral flow test before mixing with others."

He added: “It’s still sensible to wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces where you’re coming into contact with other people. Self-isolation remains an important measure to stop infectious people spreading the virus on to others, so if you develop symptoms or test positive on a lateral flow test, please self-isolate immediately and follow the guidance.”

In his speech on Wednesday morning the Prime Minister told the House of Commons: “Cases are falling in England. Our scientists think it is likely the Omicron wave has now peaked nationally.

"Hospital admissions which were doubling every nine days have now stabilised, with admissions in places falling.

"The Cabinet decided that we can return to Plan A in England.

"As a result, mandatory certification will end. Organisations can choose to use it voluntarily, but it will not be compulsory.

"We are no longer asking people to work from home.

"The Cabinet concluded that once regulations lapse, the Government will no longer mandate the wearing of face masks anywhere.

"We will no longer require face masks in classrooms."