SOMERSET'S bars and beauty salons were among the latest businesses to re-open at the weekend.
As Government restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic were eased, hospitality premises became the latest to re-open their doors to customers, with many celebrating with a haircut and a drink on what was dubbed 'Super Saturday'.
On Sunday morning, despite reports of problems with people not adhering to social distancing rules in some parts of the country, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the vast majority of people who went out on 'Super Saturday' were "doing the right thing" and following social distancing.
Speaking on Sky's Ridge On Sunday, Mr Hancock said: "Well I think that from what I've seen, although there's some pictures to the contrary, very, very largely people have acted responsibly."
He added: "So overall I'm pleased with what happened yesterday. It was really good to see people out and about and largely, very largely social distancing."
Mr Hancock said "the large proportion of people, the vast majority of people are, I think, doing the right thing".
He added: "But of course we'll take action when we need to when... if the minority break the rules."
On those who did not social distance, Mr Hancock said: "Well we'll of course keep this very closely under review, and you've seen for instance in Leicester but also in other places that we don't shirk from bringing in more drastic measures if that is what's needed to control the virus."
Matt Hancock said the Government's message to the public is "enjoy the new freedoms, but do so safely".
In Somerset, police said there were 'no significant incidents'.
"We’d like to thank all those who visited our towns and cities yesterday as licenced premises reopened for the first time in more than three months," said a police spokesperson.
"Plans had been put in place to respond to an increase in demand for our services but we’re pleased to say there were no significant incidents.
"Covid-19 still presents a deadly threat and we’re grateful to all those who continue to take a personal responsibility to help control the virus."
Here are some pictures from Burnham and Highbridge as businesses geared up to re-open:
WORKING: Lee Theobald at Lee and Kayleigh's Barber Shop, in Highbridge
READY: Anita Morton and Gaynor Burke at the Somerset and Dorset
OPEN: Connor Boscherini serving at the Victoria Inn, Burnham
READY: Tash Favell at the Reed Arms
WORKING: Kayleigh Harding at Lee and Kayleigh's Barber Shop, in Highbridge
CHEERS: At the Somerset and Dorset
CHEERS: Dave Richards, Andrew Doughty, and ‘Cook’ at the Victoria Inn, Highbridge
DRINK: Steve and Dawn Adams at the Reed Arms
LEISURE TIME: Phil Taylor and Danny Smith at the pool table at the Somerset and Dorset
READY: Shaun McCann, landlord at The Victoria Inn, Burnham
OPEN: The Reed Arms in Burnham
TRIM: Durmus Altuntas with Ebyzer Kilic at the Hair Of The Dog, Burnham
OPEN: Sandra, the hairdresser
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