York currently has one of the lowest infection rates in the country, more than half the adult population here has had at least one dose of the vaccine and a large number of socially distanced outdoor seating areas are being created to allow people to return to the city safely.

There are also plans for a Covid test site to open in the city centre soon, where visitors and staff can get rapid tests.

Sharon Stoltz, York's director of public health, urged people to get twice weekly Covid tests and encouraged them to make it a habit.

She said that while York's rate is currently low, regular testing means any rise in infections can be quickly detected and any cluster of cases pinpointed. The council also has support grants available to help people with the cost of self-isolating.

“I think there are a lot of things that are different to last time we opened the city up," she said.

"The vaccine programme is going really well. People who have had already had Covid will have a degree of natural immunity. We are also starting from a low case level. Our rates are really low. We also have more testing facilities.

“If people get into the habit of taking a Covid test, that would be a huge help for us because it would give us an early indication if cases rise."

Health data published yesterday revealed York's rate has dropped even further, to 11.9 cases per 100,000 population.

Ms Stoltz encouraged people to enjoy themselves but "use common sense and don't go crazy," adding that we should not be hugging friends and family outside our households yet.

Councillor Andrew Waller said 80 pavement cafe licences have already been granted and seating areas will open in Parliament Street and College Green.

From April 16, York BID will install a further 60 benches in areas including College Green, Exhibition Square, Lunds Court, Library Square and Lawn, Duncombe Place, Esplanade, The Coppergate Centre, New Street, City Screen Riverside and Waterstones.

The pedestrian zone hours will also be extended, from 10.30am to 8pm.

Cllr Waller said it is crucial that residents feel they can visit the city centre safely, adding that Covid marshals and other enforcement officers will be monitoring the arrangements.

“There have been a lot of efforts to reopen the city and that has required a lot of work," he said.

"Once the government relaxes the travel restrictions, people will come to York. We recognise how quickly the footfall increased last summer and we are conscious that we need to be ready for that.

“We need to retain the confidence of residents. Some will be a bit reserved about coming back to the city centre.

“It’s about getting the balance right."

He said the council is also aware that variants of the virus could have an impact and is monitoring public health data closely.

Neil Ferris, the council's director of economy, urged people to respect each other and pubic spaces.

He said there was a lot of littering during the recent warm weather and that residents as well as visitors were responsible for leaving rubbish.

Extra bins will be provided and he encouraged people to use the bins or take waste home with them.