Earlier this week, the Prime Minister set out the roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions in England, with guidance given about what parts of our society and economy will reopen and when.
As you will likely know, the roadmap is broken into different stages, with the initial stage on the 8th March seeing the reopening of schools, as well as some other changes including opening of outdoor sport and leisure facilities and the ability to meet with one other person outdoors for recreation.
Gradually over the coming months restrictions will ease, with the final stage anticipated to be no earlier than the 21st June.
This will only happen if four tests are met, and data relating to each of these tests will be reviewed before the country progresses to the next step (see diagram below). It is important to recognise that the dates given are the earliest dates that things will change.
The RRT met to discuss the roadmap this morning, and as has been the case throughout the pandemic, the UK business will continue to follow government guidelines. At this stage, there is no change to our current way of operating although we will review guidelines on an ongoing basis.
The government advice details that working from home should continue, with legal limits on social contact in place until the final step. Therefore, those who are working remotely should continue to do so. We anticipate there will be no return to offices until later in the summer, although we will keep this under review.
Scotland and Wales are due to announce their plans for moving out of lockdown, and the RRT will evaluate these and respond accordingly when appropriate.
The announcement made by Boris Johnson yesterday certainly presents a light at the end of the tunnel following a long and difficult time for us all.
While this is exciting, it is important that change happens gradually. Even as restrictions are lifted, it is essential that everyone carries on with the good habits that reduce transmission; please continue to follow CEMEX’s COVID-19 protocols and the Behaviours that Save Lives.
If you have any questions, please speak to your line manager, or contact a member of the RRT directly.