Prime Minister Boris Johnson and public health bosses have instead left it up to the individual to decide whether to carry on wearing face protection. As these pictures of Sheffield city centre show, some have opted to do just that.
Popular bar Two Thirds Beer on Abbeydale Road decided to celebrate the day with the offer of 50 free pints to customers today.
5. Spending power
Time for a shopping trip on 'Freedom Day' in Sheffield city centre Photo: Scott Merrylees
6. Visor vision
One 'Freedom Day' shopper in Sheffield city centre sticks with her face visor Photo: Scott Merrylees
7. Travel choices
Masks on and off for these Supertram passengers on 'Freedom Day' in Sheffield Photo: Scott Merrylees
8. Masks on
Some people, including these people pictured at the Cathedral Supertram stop, are retaining their masks on 'Freedom Day' Photo: Scott Merrylees