BUSINESSES and clubs of all kinds including gyms, dance schools and hospitality businesses are preparing for the full reopening society on Monday as the Government is set to lift all legal Covid-19 restrictions.

Jenny Stewart, owner of Theatre Crazy Dance School in Workington, is looking ahead to the ending of Covid-19 restrictions with optimism.

She said: “Dance schools have actually been one of the best outlets for safety during the pandemic when we have been able to run. We’ve had the social distancing, we’ve had less contact.

“I’m lucky enough that even though there has been outbreaks recently there hasn’t been any from the dance school.”

Jenny hopes to see "common sense daily testing" taking over from unnecessary stints in self isolation.

"It's just finding the right balance."

While Covid-19 restrictions are set to be lifted on Monday, many businesses, restaurants and shops are being forced to briefly close or limit their service due to staff self isolating.

Covid-19 cases are rising exponentially in Cumbria with Carlisle and Allerdale seeing higher rates of infection than the national average.

In a statement yesterday, the management at Maryport Health Services said: “Patients may experience a longer than usual wait for telephone calls to be answered this morning owing to staff absences as many of our colleagues are isolating.

“We apologise in advance for this and are doing everything we can reasonably do to ensure that we have enough capacity for answering our telephone calls throughout the day.”

Many dental and GP surgeries, businesses and services will ask visitors to continue booking in advance and using face masks.

Keswick Boot Company said: “As legal restrictions across England are relaxed we have decided to continue the following.

“We will be continuing to limit the amount of customers coming into the shop, we’re only small but we are often very busy and we want to give you guys space and the best service and advice we can offer.”