Greenwich people on Freedom Day and wearing mask

Nightclubs opened and masks came off for some, but with new Covid cases rocketing past 50,000 a day for the first time since the last lockdown, many have criticised the Government's approach during the newly coined 'pingdemic'.

The debate has proven controversial, with masks, self-isolation and the economy all big talking points and with more autonomy, a lot of the choice now rests with the public.

So we spoke to some people right in the centre of Greenwich about how they felt about freedom day, mask-wearing and more.

Greenwich Market, Observatory, museums, shops and restaurants are typical hugely popular tourist destinations, set against the skyline of Canary Wharf and the Cutty Sark sitting next to the River Thames.

But in person, with people at work and kids still in school, Greenwich High Road and the surrounding area were calm and surprisingly quiet.

There were a mix of local residents, workers and a fair few tourists walking around and enjoying the sun, and spoke to some of them to get their opinions on the ever-changing landscape of Covid-19.

Julie Sulman, 57, and Alex Canizo, 51, are a couple from North Yorkshire, but they said they didn't hesitate before visiting the tourist hotspot.

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"It feels really good to be here. Oh no it is strange, but we've quite like walking around Greenwich because it's just quieter than normal, even since Monday. We were in central London yesterday, and it's never been so quiet in my life, the couple said."

"I'm born and bred in Wandsworth, so it doesn't feel too intimidating coming to London, especially as it's quiet," said Alex.

"I think we have to start opening up personally, as long as we're sensible. We probably should've done it at a slower pace though. I guess time will tell, but as long as we keep being sensible."

The couple added they won't be wearing masks all the time now following the end of Covid-19 restrictions, but that if there was a need to, or a shop asked customers to wear one, then that wouldn't be a problem.

Dave Anderson, a 76-year-old from Island Gardens, said he didn't see mask wearing as important.

Dave said he travels to Greenwich most days for leisure, often to drink at the Gate Clock next to the Cutty Sark, and that with pubs open for some time now, nothing had really changed for him following 'Freedom Day'.

"I've never worn a masks, and I don't really like them, so I won't start now. But other people are welcome to do what they like.

"I've been back doing things for a while now, I was double jabbed in January.

"Strangely is has really picked up these last few days actually.

"The town is busier, more people are here because more things are open. But I'm fine with it, it's good stuff.

"I like people-watching so it's lovely to see people about. Just got to trust in the health guys."

Jasmine Bennett, from Manchester but in London as a student, ended up going on what must go down as one of the all-time bad dates.

"The actual date just went really badly, and then within a few days I had tested positive for Covid-19. This was just a month ago - I've had one jab, but it hadn't fully become effective by then.

"And it knocked me flat. I didn't have any of the classic symptoms like a fever, I just had zero energy, couldn't eat, could barely stand up."

Jasmine, 21, said that she thought Greenwich had still been seeing large numbers of people despite restrictions preiously being in place, and that despite her recent case, she would keep on wearing a face mask in crowded spaces.

Speaking about the Government's Freedom Day, the said: "I do feel like its far too rushed though, too much too fast. What I don't get is what has changed from the Sunday to the Monday.

"I don't think we'll end up in another lockdown again though, mainly because I don't think the Government cares."

One couple were far more supportive of the Government.

Sylvia Gomm, 78, said: "I actually think Boris has done a good job. We've followed this all the way through, and now we're getting back what we put in.

Charles Gomm, 76, said that "maybe not everything has gone to plan, but that's not the Government's fault. It's been very tough for them, and with all the infastructure we have it's people who have been the silly ones."

The couple said that most people they had encountered in Greenwich had been "very sensible," with most people still wearing masks meaning they felt safe.

"We've been surprised how strict and careful everyone has been in Greenwich," still keeping safety measures in place despite the rule change.

"And we definitely support getting back to normal, when else are you going to do it.

"It all relies on common sense - the worst bit is the people who haven't been bothered to get vaccinated.

Ian, 58, lives in Lewisham but works in Greenwich as a piano technician, and said he thought we "have to get on with it to be honest."

"We need everyone to get the vaccine, you can't make people but that is our solution.

"But Greenwich here today, this is faily quiet from what you can see. It's been a gradual increase so doesn't feel wrong.

"I've always got my face mask on me though, and I think I will still wear one going forward, particularly if I'm in a crowded space.

"What I have done is stop listening to the news as it's quite depressing, and I am glad things are relaxing. On Freedom Day I went to pub to try and do it like I used to as a youngster."

Steven Mair, who had taken his family on holiday with him from Aberdeen, said it felt "completely normal" being back in London.

"It's lovely for us, we've come here regularly before the pandemic so it's nice to be back and it's not so different.

"We'll all keep wearing our masks, I think there's good reason behind it, but it's great to be here, still with less people around."