The Government has published its 60-page recovery plan, setting out how and when the UK will adjust its response to the coronavirus crisis.
Changes implemented in May included allowing people to spend more leisure time outside, encouraging those who cannot work from home to return to work, and allowing retailers such as hardware stores and garden centres to re-open.
From 1 June at the earliest, there could be a phased reopening of shops and some primary-aged pupils and children in early years settings could return to school (see left). From 4 July, some hospitality businesses and other public places could reopen.
Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the LGA, said: “It is encouraging that we are now moving into the next phase of tackling this virus and we look forward to seeing more details on the Government’s plan.
“During this pandemic, councils’ role as leaders of place has been more important than ever before. They will continue to lead their communities through this crisis as we adapt to this new way of life, working day and night to protect the most vulnerable, help local businesses, keep important services running and support national efforts to defeat this disease.
“The scale of the economic, environmental and community challenges that we will face cannot be underestimated. Communities will need to keep sticking together through this crisis and follow the Government’s plan and social distancing rules to ensure people are not put at risk unnecessarily.”