Huge differences were seen between Tier 2 Liverpool and nearby towns in Tier 3 that were left deserted as the lockdown ended today.
From Wednesday, the city region was placed into the "high alert" tier but non-essential retail, gyms and some areas of hospitality were allowed to reopen.
After four weeks in lockdown however, our neighbours in West Lancashire faced tougher restrictions than Liverpool City Region after being placed in Tier 3.
While Liverpool saw people return to stores to pick up some Christmas shopping, other areas were eerily quiet and are likely to remain this way over the coming weeks.
Massive queues of shoppers were seen in the city centre on Wednesday as popular stores reopened.
Restaurants and cafes also saw customers return to their favourite venues.
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But in Ormskirk, the town centre was extremely quiet as shutters were down on stores in the streets.
With only a bare Christmas tree and social distancing signs decorating the area, pictures taken show the stark contrast between the neighbouring regions.
In Tier 2 Liverpool salons, gyms, hotels, cinemas and other entertainment venues can also welcome customers back under new government rules - you can read the full list of places allowed to reopen today here.
It's been a difficult few weeks for businesses at what is usually one of the busiest times of year in the run up to Christmas.
And despite relaxed restrictions, there are still many things you can't do in Liverpool under the new restrictions.
These include meeting other households indoors.
In Tier 3 areas, like Ormskirk, you must not meet socially at all even in private gardens or public venues.
Retail premises may open, other than shops situated inside closed premises that cannot be accessed directly from the street – retail premises within accommodation may also stay open
The leader of West Lancashire Council said that being placed in Tier 3 was a "devastating blow" to business and local communities.
Ian Moran said: "We have all worked so hard to get the number of Coronavirus cases down and this decision today does not feel consistent especially as we are in a better place here than some areas of the country who have gone into a lower tier.
"All the Council Leaders across Lancashire requested a more targeted approach so for areas such as West Lancashire businesses could operate safely and keep our local economy moving and this request has not been considered.
See how coronavirus has affected your area by entering your postcode below
"We do want everyone to be safe but this blanket approach means that communities and businesses are being restricted unnecessarily by this decision.
"I am very angry about this decision and that we have not been listened to.
"I am extremely concerned that the hospitality sector which is so important in West Lancashire may not fully recover from this decision today and we will continue to keep working to get out of this tier as soon as we possibly can."
