Issue - decisions

It was AGREED that:

1.           Libraries are to be closed by Sunday 22 March 2020

Reasons for Decision:

1.           On 18 March 2020, the Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus advised that all “unnecessary gatherings” should be avoided. In line with government guidance to reduce the risks of exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace and social distancing for everyone in the UK, it was decided to close Surrey County Council’s libraries to help prevent the spread of the virus and reduce the risks to vulnerable people. This decision is consistent with how other county councils such as West Sussex and Hertfordshire are responding to the pandemic. The timing of the closure is designed to provide notice to residents while still adhering to government guidance. Other measures such as promoting access to e-books are being developed as potential mitigations to the temporary loss of the library service.