LOCKDOWN measures are set to ease in England from Saturday, July 4, meaning people in Wyre Forest will be able to visit a pub or a relative's house for the first time since March.

It's by no means the end of lockdown but many things we used to take for granted will return to some sort of normality.

What will change for people in Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport, and what will the new way of doing things look like?

Pubs can reopen

Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to open from Saturday but will look a little different from before.

Government guidance suggests staff should wear face coverings and take other precautions such as providing hand sanitiser and putting one-way systems in place to keep customers safe.

There is likely to be restrictions on the number of people in a pub at one time, and venues are being asked to keep a record of all visitors so the NHS can trace any virus outbreaks.

All orders should be taken from the table where possible, and many pubs will be implementing smartphone app ordering systems.

Loud music and performances will not be allowed in order to prevent people from having to raise their voices, which can increase transmission.

See Wyre Forest CAMRA's up-to-date list of reopening dates for pubs and clubs across Kidderminster, Bewdley, Stourport and surrounding villages here.

People can get a little closer

From Saturday, people who are not part of the same household will be told to stay at least one metre apart from each other.

The "one metre plus" rule replaces the two metre social distancing guideline - however, people are being urged to take extra steps to keep safe such as wearing a mask, regularly washing hands and sitting side by side with people, rather than opposite.

You can visit another home

Two households will be able to meet indoors from Saturday, as long as the one metre plus rule is adhered to.

It means people will be able to go into another person's home for the first time since the country went into lockdown.

Two households meeting at a pub or restaurant will be able to sit at the same table, but will still not be allowed to touch each other.

More attractions are reopening

More visitor attractions will be able to reopen from Saturday as long as they follow social distancing and hygiene guidelines.

Cinemas, museums, art galleries, bingo halls, community centres, outdoor playgrounds and outdoor gyms can all be used again.

West Midland Safari Park will reopen its theme park and walk-through areas this weekend, after initially reopening its drive-through safari only. Read our full story here.

The County Museum is also getting ready to welcome back visitors on Saturday. The museum at Hartlebury Castle is following government safety advice with a number of measures in place to keep visitors and staff safe.

These include queueing and one-way routes to help manage social distancing, enhanced cleaning schedules and hand santiser stations. The site will be asking for card payments rather than cash for admissions and shop purchases.

Saturday will also see the launch of a brand new outdoor adventure trail in Kidderminster. Habberley Trail, which features 42 acres of land and a range of family-friendly outdoor activities, will open to the public for the first time on a booking only basis. Read our full story here.

Venues which involve “close proximity” will have to stay shut. These include nightclubs, indoor gyms, soft play centres, swimming pools and spas.

You can get a haircut!

Hairdressers and barbers are set to reopen from July 4, but customers have been warned to expect some major changes.

Salons may have markings on the floor to show where customers should sit, and people are being encouraged to turn up to their appointment exactly on time, instead of being in waiting areas.When inside, customers should expect to be seated away from others and side-to-side. Many will have perspex screens at till points, seperating customers and cashiers.

Hairdressers and barbers must wear a protective visor that extends below their chin, while customers can choose to wear a face covering if they wish to but this is not compulsory.

Drinks and magazines will be off limits, with customers encouraged to bring their own drinks. Depending on the salon, disposable cups may be used.

Couples can tie the knot

Wedding ceremonies can now take place with a maximum of 30 guests.

The government has said receptions should not take place, but small celebrations between up to two households indoors, or up to six people from different households outdoors, will be permitted.

Guidelines state that wedding rings should be handled by as few people as possible, and services should be conducted in the "shortest reasonable time".