YORK'S public health director has urged the city's people not to get carried away by the easing of lockdown - and to continue to take steps to ensure there is no resurgence of coronavirus.

Sharon Stoltz says adults should ideally be taking a symptom-free Covid test twice a week - either at one of the four testing centres in the city, or using a home-testing kit.

York city centre was busy on Monday as shops and hairdressing salons opened again after lockdown, and cafés, restaurants and pubs served customers outdoors. Businesses hailed 'opening day' as 'better than expected' - and Carl Alsop, the operations manager at York BID, said there had been a 'really nice buzz' in the city.

Those who visited the city centre talked about their excitement - and about how 'refreshing' it was to see York beginning to return to something like normal.

But Ms Stoltz said: “Whilst it is terrific that we are able to enjoy many retail, leisure and hospitality venues again, we must continue to do all we can to keep our city safe. Whilst the number of cases is lower than we have seen in recent months, Coronavirus is still here. Hands, Face, Space and fresh air remain as important as ever.

“Please avoid crowded places in order to help prevent the spread and adults, please get tested twice a week.

“We want to keep the places we love open and keep case rates down. By continuing all our efforts there is real hope that better times are ahead, and it will not be long until we can return to doing more of the things we love. Shop local, stay safe and keep York open.”

Booking a symptom-free test is easy. There are testing centres at Foxwood Community Centre, the University of York, York St John University and at the York Stadium leisure complex - or you can get a home test. Visit york.gov.uk/SymptomFreeCovidTest to find out more.

Testing is voluntary. "(But) it will help you make informed decisions to help keep you, your family and friends as safe as possible, and help protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19," said a spokesperson for City of York Council.

Council leader Keith Aspden hailed Monday's 'opening day' as a 'milestone in our journey back to normal'. He added: “Our local businesses have put an incredible amount of time and effort in making sure they can safely welcome customers once again. They now need our support more than ever.

“The next step will be announced on Monday, May 17, when we hope to see indoor hospitality return and rules on mixing in our homes lifted. We still have some time to go until then, so let’s keep up our efforts and keep each other safe and the places we love open.”