When will libraries reopen in the UK as lockdown rollbacks continue?
Lockdown measures, which were first implemented over three months ago, have slowly been rolled back in recent weeks.
The gradual easing of the coronavirus lockdown, which the UK entered on 23 March, is about to speed up significantly as 4 July brings with it a wide range of changes to the lockdown measures currently in place in England.
Here’s what we know about when libraries will be able to reopen in the UK…
When will libraries reopen?
In England, libraries will reopen on 4 July with a wide range of other businesses in that sweeping change to lockdown measures.
Visit our live blog for the latest updates: Coronavirus news live
The condition for their reopening is that they are ‘covid-secure’.
In his speech to MPs, the PM said: ‘In order to begin restoring the arts and cultural sector, some leisure facilities and tourist attractions may also reopen, if they can do so safely – this includes outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades, as well as libraries, social clubs, places of worship and community centres.’
Retail spaces in libraries in England were able to reopen form 15 June along with other non-essential retail stores provided they ensure the branches were safe for customers.
This included implementing measures to facilitate social distancing, such as considering one way systems and staggered opening times, reducing the maximum occupancy of branches, and enforcing a two-metre gap between customers at all times.
Meanwhile, some libraries in Wales have partly opened to offer click and collect services from mid-June.
In Scotland, where they are currently in Phase Two of their roadmap for getting out of lockdown, libraries being able to reopen it set to come as part of Phase Three.
The Phases are not dated, however the nation’s next review of lockdown measures is due on 9 July.
And in Northern Ireland, libraries are set to be open from 16 July.
MORE: What areas of England could go into local lockdown next and what are Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 testing?
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your views in the comments below.