The easing of lockdown continues…

· by · in COVID-19. ·

However our overriding priority is safety…

We welcome the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, focusing on the further reopening of our businesses and shops, and for you to enjoy greater freedoms.

However, our overriding priority is to ensure we all remain safe. This means that we will only reopen services when we feel we can do this safely. We will continue to keep our COVID-19 webpage updated with information.

Here is a breakdown of the UK Government changes announced since Tuesday 14 July:

From 18 July:

  • A new framework setting out how to manage COVID-19 outbreaks through the use of national and local expertise has been published by the UK Government. Read more on the gov.uk website.

From 22 July:

  • Care home residents are set to be reunited with friends and family, where it is safe to do so, as visits begin again following the publication of new guidance.
    • Local directors of public health will, with their authorities, lead the decision-making process for care home visits.
    • Thorough risk assessments will take place based on specific care homes and the community context.
    • Appropriate safety precautions will be required, including face coverings, and social distancing measures.

Read more on the gov.uk website.

From 24 July:

From 1 August:

From 1 October:

 

Here is a breakdown of the UK Government changes announced on Tuesday 23 June:

From 4 July:

  • Where 2 metres social distancing is not possible, 1 metre plus should be observed.
  • Two households of any size will be allowed to meet in any setting (inside and out).
  • Restaurants, bars and hairdressers will be allowed to reopen. Hotels, B&Bs and campsites will also be able to open.
  • Leisure spaces that can do so safely – such as galleries, museums, libraries, social clubs and community centres can open. We’ll provide updates on council operated venues as soon as we’re able to do so.
  • Places of worship will be allowed to reopen and they’ll be allowed to host-socially distanced wedding services with up to 30 guests.

From 6 July:

  • Individuals who have been advised to shield during lockdown will be allowed to have socially-distanced outdoor meetings with up to 5 people from other households.

From 1 August:

  • From 1 August the government will be advising that shielding is paused and people adopt strict social distancing rather than full shielding measures. For more information visit the government website.

From September:

  • The government has advised that it will fully reopen schools. We’ll provide updates on Merton schools as soon as we’re able to do so.