Aberdeen follows Phase 3 of route map

09 July 2020

Aberdeen City Council is continuing its preparations to reinstate more services after the Scottish Government confirmed today that the country would be moving to Phase 3 of its COVID-19 route map.  

While physical distancing is to be maintained, there will be an easing of some restrictions on personal movement introduced to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The government announced that from Monday July 13 non-essential shops inside shopping centres will be able to reopen.

From Wednesday, indoor hospitality in pubs and restaurants can return on "a limited basis" and subject to several conditions, and places of worship can also reopen, again subject to restrictions.

However, the resumption of outdoor live events, the re-opening of indoor entertainment venues and the re-opening gyms will not restart before 31 July, although this will be kept under review.

Council Co-leader Councillor Douglas Lumsden said: “We are all keen to get back to ‘normal’ but it will take time, and it will be different, however today marks another step on our route map journey.  

“The Council has been able to move safely forward because we've prepared for recovery and have been rigorous when reinstating services – an approach that will continue through Phase 3. 

"We have Financial Resilience Recovery Plan that ensures we can keep delivering key services whilst still balancing our books, the £1.76 million Spaces for People project that has allowed activity in the city centre and elsewhere to safely resume and businesses to start trading again, and a Socio-Economic Rescue Plan that positions us to thrive again. 

“The Council, in conjunction with public and private organisations, will lead the charge as the city adapts. In promoting recovery we need pace but canniness too – or we risk losing all the progress to date.” 

Co-leader Councillor Jenny Laing added: “We are committed to playing our part to help Aberdeen emerge from lockdown in a way that protects public health, especially our most vulnerable, and sustains our local economy. 

"As we make our way through Phase 3, the safeguarding of staff and customers remains our top priority and we need to follow evolving safety guidance.  

"The impact in terms of people’s health and economic recovery of a localised or national return to lockdown cannot be underestimated." 

In line with action being taken by other major Scottish museums and galleries, the Council is preparing to re-open Aberdeen Art Gallery later in the summer and will announce more details as soon as they are confirmed. 

However, it is likely to be some time before the Maritime Museum, the Tolbooth and the Treasure Hub will re-open owing to the challenges in complying with physical distancing rules. 

The City’s Libraries Services are also planning for a safe staggered reopening and further updates, as well as ongoing responses to the route map, will be published here. 

Aberdeen City Council and the Health and Safety Executive will continue to oversee compliance with government guidelines in workplaces and businesses.  

Police Scotland has sole responsibility under the regulations for dealing with restrictions on movement and public gatherings.  

The statutory review date for Phase 4 is July 30th.