Following the announcement of the government’s roadmap recovery plan this week, we understand that many of you running community buildings will have questions about when you will be allowed to reopen and what services and activities, you will be able to deliver.

Details of the Government’s four step ‘Roadmap’ to ease lockdown can be found here

Until implementation of the plan commences, the key message is still to ‘stay at home’ and maintain the current lockdown measures.

The recovery plan feels like a light at the end of the tunnel but as it will take several months to implement fully, there will inevitably continue to be social contact restrictions in place. This will be a key consideration when planning the reopening our community buildings safely.

What we know so far:

• Community buildings feature in step 2 of the recovery plan and could be allowed to open from 12th April 2021.
• Once we are operating within step 2 and community buildings are able to open
  • Community Buildings will be required to adhere to the COVID-19 secure guidance to help manage the risk of spreading the virus which will include social distancing at that stage.
  • People from different households will not be allowed to mix indoors unless they are exempt.
  • Indoor leisure including gyms could open for use individually or within household groups.
  • The rule of 6 will be in place allowing a maximum of 2 households to meet outdoors.
  • Children will be able to attend indoor children's activity, including sport.
  • Parent and child groups of up to 15 people (not counting children aged under five years old) can restart indoors.

As the official detailed and specific guidance is made available, we will be updating our web pages and guide for community buildings. We will continue to help and support you as you make decisions about your recovery from the pandemic and start to consider the future.

Over the next few weeks and months, as the government implements further steps within the recovery plan and the restrictions are slowly reduced, allowing for a wider scope of activities and services that can be delivered, we will continue to provide further information, advice, and guidance to support you in your decision making.

In the meantime, our staff team are available to help you understand what the changes may mean for your community building and to provide you with information, advice and support with any queries or concerns you may have. If you have already been in contact with one of our Community Support Team, contact them directly or email info@durhamcommunityaction.org.uk