DPRA

As you will have seen on the news etc, there is now a route map for getting us out of lockdown and back to some form of normality. There is only one date (28th May) attached to this at present, so it appears to be very much a case of seeing how it goes initially. This is an excerpt from the BBC News page which outlines the different phases of the exit.

The Scottish government has identified four phases for easing the restrictions:

Phase 1: Virus not yet contained but cases are falling. From 28 May you should be able to meet another household outside in small numbers. Sunbathing is allowed, along with some outdoor activities like golf and fishing. Garden centres and drive-through takeaways can reopen, some outdoor work can resume, and childminding services can begin.

Phase 2: Virus controlled. You can meet larger groups outdoors, and meet another household indoors. Construction, factories, warehouses, laboratories and small shops can resume work. Playgrounds and sports courts can reopen, and professional sport can begin again.

Phase 3: Virus suppressed. You can meet people from more than one household indoors. Non-essential offices would reopen, along with gyms, museums, libraries, cinemas, larger shops, pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and dentists. Live events could take place with restricted numbers and physical distancing restrictions. Schools should reopen from 11 August.

Phase 4: Virus no longer a significant threat. University and college campuses can reopen in full, mass gatherings are allowed. All workplaces open and public transport is back at full capacity.

The situation will be reviewed every three weeks, with further phases of easing being introduced if enough progress is being made on keeping the virus under control.

However, Ms Sturgeon said she hoped to be able to move more quickly than that if the evidence allows.

She described the first steps as “proportionate and suitably cautious”, and said they were intended to “bring some improvement to people’s wellbeing and quality of life, start to get our economy moving again, and start to steer us safely towards a new normality”.

The first minister added: “It’s important to stress, though, that while the permitted reasons to be out of your house will increase, the default message during phase one will remain stay at home as much as possible.”

Despite differing advice for England, in Scotland we remain in a lockdown situation. Only go out to exercise, do essential shopping, to collect medical prescriptions or to attend medical appointments. The only slight difference is that exercise is now unlimited (within reason) but social distancing MUST still be observed at all times. Please bear in mind that we are approximately 2 weeks behind most of England with the progress of this virus, thus the differing advice being given.

Our grass contractor is asking if we could please stop letting (some) of our dogs shit on the grass. It is really not acceptable for a number of reasons. 1. He doesn’t want to run his mowers through it. 2. Although the children aren’t playing much on the grass at the monent the faeces can leave germs in the grass that can survive for a long time. These germs can cause blindness in children. 3. It’s simply not socially acceptable. 4. If it’s an “accident”… Then PICK IT UP!!

A lot of scams on the go just now trying to take advantage of the current situation / cancelled travel plans / holidays etc. https://mailchi.mp/ba200398df1a/scam-share-bulletin

Deadline for all payments is tomorrow 14th April ’20.

Some useful advice received via NHW. https://www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus/helping-your-neighbours-friends-and-family/

Unless you really, really need to go somewhere e.g. Work, essential shopping, pharmacy visit etc. Please stay at home. You will quite possibly save somebody’s life. I couldn’t believe the amount of people (in groups) out and about yesterday, wandering around as if it was some sort of bank holiday weekend! STAY AT HOME…. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

Apologies for the late update on the website but business commitments have kept me busy recently. A new date will be notified as and when we feel it appropriate to hold the AGM.

As we all know we could be facing considerable problems with the corona virus over the coming weeks. Please keep an eye on your neighbours in case they need help. Also, please don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

The AGM is on Saturday 14th March, starting 2.30pm ….. see Home Page for details as this is now confirmed.

Overnight 21/22.01.20 a number of bikes were stolen from a locked shed to the rear of No.18. Clearly the thieves knew what they were after as they cut padlocks and bike locks in order to remove the bikes. If you saw or heard anything suspicious, please contact me via the Contact Form or call 07973 376767.

I will try and get a description of the bikes and post this later.