Safety first as Aberdeen follows Phase 2 of route map

18 June 2020

Council leaders today urged businesses and communities to back their efforts to help Aberdeen emerge safely from the COVID-19 pandemic as Scotland moved to Phase 2 of its route map. 

The Scottish Government has announced that it will further ease lockdown restrictions introduced to curb the spread of the coronavirus. 

On June 29, public play areas will reopen along with some retail premises and essential indoor workplaces in with line with government rules. 

Further news about when pubs and restaurants can re-open is expected from the Scottish Government on July 2. 

Physical distancing and hygiene measures must still be adhered to at all times. 

Updates on the route map and Aberdeen City Council’s ongoing response can be found on our website.

Council Co-leader Councillor Douglas Lumsden said: “Today marks another step on our route map journey, one Aberdeen City Council has been laying the groundwork for. 

“With the support of NHS Grampian and business organisation Aberdeen Inspired we took the bold decision to add temporary pedestrian capacity to the city by re-routing traffic. Our Spaces for People strategy is allowing physical distancing to take place, paving the way for activity to resume. 

“By continuing to put public health first we can keep transmission rates of the virus down and avoid a second wave of COVID-19, helping Scotland safely move through Phase 2 and towards the next milestone.” 

Co-leader Councillor Jenny Laing added: “Aberdeen City Council has led the way in safely responding to Scotland’s route map since we entered Phase 1 on May 28. 

“All our recycling centres are open and we were among the first local authorities to spell out how we will deliver education when schools reopen on August 11. As a Council we are supporting a safe return to economic activity whilst progressing our own projects like the council house building programme.

“The task now to is plot our own steady path through Phase 2, safeguarding staff and customers at every turn.”

Aberdeen City Council and the Health and Safety Executive will continue to work together to ensure 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 route map provides a guide to the order in which lockdown restrictions will be gradually and incrementally lifted. The statutory review dates are July 9 for Phase 3 and July 30 for Phase 4.