BRADFORD Council has outlined how it is preparing ahead of the easing of lockdown on Monday.

From 19 July, we will move into Step 4 of the roadmap out of lockdown, and there may be some changes to local services.

The Council says it will continue to encourage library users and staff to wear face masks, observe social distancing and use the hand sanitiser provided.

Limits on the numbers of people allowed in libraries will be lifted, but the Council is asking people to continue to respect social distancing.

Visitors to the library will also be encouraged to continue to sign in with Track and Trace, while there will continue to be enhanced cleaning regimes, especially in what the Council calls 'high touch' areas.

The order and collect service on books will continue, and books can be reserved online at https://bradford.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk, or by phoning your local library.

The Council's sport and leisure facilities will continue with additional cleaning and social distancing markings on the floor. Hand sanitiser will also be available.

In line with government guidance, the Council will be encouraging people to wear face coverings as they move around in the centres, and will be gradually looking to increase capacity and introduce pay and play sessions.

Museums and galleries will be retaining one-way systems and managing numbers in the buildings, increasing capacity where good ventilation is possible, and also requesting that visitors retain their masks and good hand hygiene to protect both themselves and staff members. Enhanced cleaning regimes will also continue.

Bradford theatres have worked hard to adhere to all rules and regulations that are currently in place, with the Council adding: "it is really important that people feel safe whilst attending a show at our venues, therefore discussions are taking place within the Council and the theatre industry to confirm what measures need to be taken to ensure our safe reopening to larger capacity audiences, and these should be finalised next week."

Sarah Muckle, Bradford Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “This change brings freedom for many and a boost for business, but we need to be clear that Covid-19 has not gone away. 

"We need to continue to follow the guidelines and try and meet in the fresh air to help stop the spread of Covid-19 and help keep our families, friends and communities safe.

"Above all, we’re asking everyone to make sure they get both doses of the vaccine when they are able to. ”

Bradford Council Leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, added: “Many people will be feeling anxious about the lifting of restrictions and we need to continue to protect our community, our services and our staff at this critical time. 

"Follow the five sensible steps to keep infections as low as possible and keep protecting our communities and those who are vulnerable. I would also ask that everyone is considerate to others.”

The Council wants to encourage five practices which it says will "help everyone live safely together".

These are:

  • Giving others space.
  • Wearing a mask in "high-risk" places.
  • Getting tested and isolating if you are unwell.
  • Mixing outside if possible, or letting air in if indoors.
  • Getting both doses of the vaccine.

You can read the Government guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do.

For more information about Covid-19 in the Bradford district, visit www.bradford.gov.uk/coronavirus.