An LSJ poll suggests 73% of Lincoln residents think the reopening of outdoor dining and non-essential shops could lead to another COVID spike.
Lincoln has been a hive of activity since last week, but some residents have reservations about the new rules.
Emma, a third-year student at the University of Lincoln, says non-essential shops make her feel unsafe.
She said: “I’ve had people so close to me in shops without masks, maybe they’ve been exempt, but it’s made me feel extremely anxious.
“They say to still wear masks in shops, but no one is enforcing that, nor the 2m rule.
“It’s clear the government don’t really care about people’s safety, but more about the economy.”
Others are welcoming new freedoms, with long queues seen outside Primark and Wetherspoons for most of last week.
One Lincoln resident feels the precautions in place are enough to keep everyone safe, providing the public complies.
“One of the reasons problems will arise is because people are avoiding the rules outside shops and pubs, mixing with households in more confined spaces and taking masks off in shops,” he said.
“Those few people avoiding the rules could possibly lead to some rises in cases, but hopefully not.”
For more information on the government roadmap visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
