Aberdeen City Council is gearing up for the move to Phase 1 of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
The Scottish Government is ready to announce the easing of restrictions following the publication last week of its “route map”, which outlined potential measures for the coming weeks.
In Aberdeen, staff have been working behind the scenes to prepare for a move into Phase 1, and more details will be revealed on the council website today.
The plans range from re-opening recycling centres to updating parents and carers about the scheduled reopening of schools in August.
Council leaders say the journey to the new normal will be “gradual and delicate”.
Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden said: “Since the route map was announced on May 21, officers have been working tirelessly to plan for the safe transition to Phase 1.
“While we await official confirmation of the start of the easing of lockdown – and details around what exactly that will mean – we are finalising our own arrangements in line with government guidance.
“Details of any changes will be shared with the public on our website from Thursday.
“Public health and wellbeing remains the priority and we are looking for residents to support us on this very gradual and delicate journey.”
Co-leader Jenny Laing added: “Even with the easing of restrictions, not all services will necessarily resume to pre-Covid-19 arrangements as we move through the phases.
“We may have to make adaptations in order to operate safely and within current and evolving government guidance, and like many other organisations consider more widely how we operate as emerge from the pandemic.
“Aberdeen is ready to move into Phase 1 – but in a manner that remains safe for staff and customers.
“Priority will be given to those critical and statutory functions and everyone has a duty to remain focused on physical distancing.”