Service updates and advice as the first stage of lockdown is eased on 29 March
As the first step on the Government's roadmap out of lockdown is implemented on 29 March, Wiltshire Council is updating people on the services available from that date, along with important public health advice.
From 29 March, people can meet outside only, in groups of up to six from different households (the Rule of 6) or two households of any size. This includes in private gardens, but people are urged to follow this advice closely and not to break the rules.
The 'stay at home' rule will also end on 29 March, but people should continue to work from home where possible and minimise the number of journeys they make.
Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health, said: "It's great that more people can meet up from 29 March, but it's really important that people follow the rules and only meet up outside in groups of up to six people, or two households, and that they remain at least two metres apart from people that are not in their household or support bubble.
"If people do not follow this guidance, larger gatherings or indoor meet-ups could increase the rate of infection and ultimately cost lives in Wiltshire.
"This is particularly important around Easter time, when hopefully we will have some good weather and people can meet outside. The whole of Wiltshire has worked so hard to bring the infection rate down here, and we need to keep following the rules to keep cases low."
From 29 March, some outdoor sports facilities will reopen, and people can play formalised sports such as football and tennis. The council will be contacting sports clubs to provide advice, posters and other assets to help them open safely.
The council leisure facilities that will be opening from 29 March include the tennis courts at Springfield Community Campus in Corsham, the football pitches at Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre in Salisbury for club block bookings, and the tennis courts at the Nadder Centre in Tisbury. However, this does not include any changing or toilet facilities, and no leisure centre buildings will reopen on this date.
People can also take part in organised group litter picks in Wiltshire from 29 March, so long as they stick to the Rule of 6 and maintain social distancing. However, it should be noted that in the Salisbury area, the advice on litter picks remains 'if you didn't drop it, don't pick it up'.
Anyone that wishes to pick litter in their local area, should either dispose of it in their usual home kerbside waste and recycling collection services, or if they're planning a large litter pick, they should contact streetscene@wiltshire.gov.uk two weeks before the litter pick to arrange a suitable collection point.
On 31 March, the requirement for the clinically extremely vulnerable to shield will formally end, and while this is welcome news, the Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub remains in place for people who may need additional support. People can call the hub on 0300 003 4576 or email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday and 10am-4pm Saturday.
To find out more about Wiltshire Council services, and to see a roadmap of when services may reopen in the county, go to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
