From Monday (April 12) non-essential shops including hairdressers, pubs and restaurants will be able to reopen for the first time in four months and we progress to Step 2 on the roadmap out of lockdown.
Larger groups will be able to meet outdoors, while care homes will allow two visitors per resident.
Lambeth Council has been working with businesses to support their reopening and the enforcement of the rules when customers return.
Easter support
Over the Easter weekend Lambeth Council wardens visited parks in the borough to remind visitors of their responsibilities under the current rules.
Almost 40 staff provided public reassurance by patrolling parks to ensure people were complying with the Rule of Six.
Others advised businesses on how best to enforce the rules to deter groups gathering outside their shops.
Cllr Jim Dickson, Lambeth’s joint Cabinet member for Health and Social Care, said: “The vast majority of people are sticking to the rules and we are seeing the results with fewer cases reported.
“As their work over the Easter weekend has shown, our wardens are doing a fantastic job providing our residents advice and guidance on how best to safely enjoy our parks and open spaces.”
Care homes, libraries and community spaces
Lambeth’s libraries and community spaces will be gradually reinstating services over the coming weeks in line with the lifting of restrictions.
Lambeth Archives will re-open for appointments and alongside computer access and Select and Collect book service, study space is being reintroduced at nine libraries from Monday.
There will also be a trial of appointment-only browsing at West Norwood and Carnegie libraries as part of the phased reopening. By the end of the month, libraries opening hours will be extended to 11am-6pm and some outdoor activities for parents and children will be available.
The number of care home visitors will be increased to two per resident, while overnight stays away from home will be allowed for those in the same household or support bubble.
Restaurants, pubs and bars
Reopening the hospitality sector will mean bars, pubs and restaurants can serve customers in outdoor areas – alcohol can be sold without a substantial meal and there will be no curfew.
Outdoor events including zoos, theme parks and drive-in performances will also be permitted.
Cllr Dickson added: “I hope that a gradual, cautious reopening of shops, restaurants and pubs will enable us to reclaim our lives.
“But I do not want to see us throw away all the progress we have made to control the virus during the latest lockdown.”
For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/further-easing-of-covid-restrictions-confirmed-for-12-april
