As Edinburgh prepares for the gradual lifting of lockdown, Council Leaders are looking forward to a safe, sustainable reopening of the economy, and many of the city’s health and leisure venues.
From tomorrow (Monday 26 April), hospitality, non-essential retail and gyms, including Edinburgh Leisure centres, can reopen, with restrictions in place. Leaders have wished businesses and operators well as they get ready to open their doors.
Their comments follow the launch of Forever Edinburgh – The Story Never Ends, a joint campaign between the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG) and VisitScotland. This encourages people to rediscover the city, its stories and places while supporting local businesses, promoting attractions, shops, bars and restaurants as lockdown eases.
Amongst other restrictions being eased, libraries and galleries will be able to resume services, and in Edinburgh, plans are being drawn up for the phased reopening of libraries and cultural venues over the coming weeks.
Councillor Adam McVey and Councillor Cammy Day also encouraged people to continue following the rules in place, and to take care of their local parks and greenspaces this weekend.
“Council Leader Adam McVey said: “The sun is shining, there’s a good weather forecast for the weekend and we have much to be hopeful about. As we approach 26 April, when COVID restrictions on many businesses will be eased for the first time since Boxing Day, cafes, restaurants, shops and gyms across the city will be making their final preparations.
“We’re doing everything we can to support them, whether that’s our licensing officers working to provide advice and guidance or with partners through our City’s Forever Edinburgh campaign, which is inspiring people to enjoy all the Capital has to offer.
“We’re also gearing up to welcome people back to our libraries and cultural venues in the coming weeks, places I know many people have sorely missed, and we’ll soon be publishing plans to open their doors again, starting with the Central Library (above).
“Edinburgh Leisure will be reopening their leisure centres and swimming pools from Monday too, and I know a huge number of people are looking forward to getting back to their local facilities.
“We’re all excited about a sense of normality being returned, as well as the chance to socialise with friends and family in the sun. Let’s enjoy the weekend responsibly, continuing to stick to the rules and taking care of our outdoor spaces, keeping COVID cases low, preserving our beautiful green spaces and helping Edinburgh to recover safely.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Together we’ve endured an extremely difficult year, responding to changing restrictions and strict lockdowns which have been immensely challenging to our mental health and, for many, their financial situation.
“I want to take this opportunity to recognise the sacrifices and adjustments made by the many businesses across Edinburgh during this time, and to wish them well as they get ready to reopen on Monday.
“Thanks also to our residents, who have worked so hard to observe the guidance in place, helping to limit the spread of this virus – their efforts have been a crucial factor in our ability to gradually lift restrictions.
“We know what an impact the changes we’ve experienced have had on people’s quality of life, so I hope that the forthcoming reopening of libraries, cultural venues and, from next week, Edinburgh Leisure venues and gyms around the city, will provide a much-needed boost.
Find out more about Council services and support on offer during the COVID-19 pandemic online.
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