MOST Dorset businesses think the government was wrong to lift Covid restrictions yesterday, with nearly three quarters saying they do not want to have any physical contact at business events, according to results of a poll.

Most Covid restrictions have been lifted, including the compulsory wearing of face masks and social distancing, while cases have soared to as many as 50,000 a day, with some scientists predicting it will reach 200,000 a day later in the summer.

In a poll held by the Dorset Chamber, just 28 per cent of businesses thought the government was right to relax requirements such as face masks and social distancing, but 56 per cent thought it was the wrong time, and 62 per cent said they are concerned about the possibility of future restrictions being introduced.

The poll also found that 71 per cent of people would rather not shake hands or have physical contact at business events at this time and 78 per cent thought there was inadequate guidance for businesses regarding 'freedom day'.

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: "Our survey results clearly indicated that many businesses remain cautious about Covid.

"The pandemic has not disappeared and businesses in Dorset are right to remain vigilant to keep their employees and customers safe."

The chamber is holding its first face-to-face meeting in nearly 18 months today, and attendees are being asked to refrain from any physical contact.

Mr Girling said: "We are looking forward to welcoming people back in person for our first networking event since the start of the pandemic.

"We considered a scheme with coloured wrist bands to indicate how comfortable people would be with contact. However, to avoid any awkwardness we have asked delegates to refrain from any physical contact at all and this stance has been back up by the survey results."