“Testing for coronavirus is still a vital and very real necessity right now, especially if you’re in contact with people through the work you do,” warns Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon.

“Since the vaccine programme has started to roll out, and now that the Prime Minister is describing a route out of restrictions, people’s attitude towards coronavirus is understandably changing – we’re looking forward to a time without restrictions when we can get on with our pre-COVID lives and professions.

“The rules that we in Devon have done so well to follow since last year, and which have kept our case numbers to one of lowest in the country and have undoubtedly saved lives, are I fear becoming less of a priority in some people’s minds.

“But testing and self-isolating when a person develops symptoms of coronavirus is as important today as it always has been. And it will continue to be so for some time.

“Community testing for those whose work puts them in contact with others – trades people, retail workers, drivers for example – is absolutely vital for us to stop the spread of coronavirus."