Getting ready for Re-opening

The Community Centre Committee has recently received guidance on the opening of the Centre to the public as the lockdown is relaxed. This will be a slow and steady process and progress will depend on the data on infections as well as the dates currently announced. There is still some uncertainty, but the way forward is becoming clearer.

April 12th is the date that children's indoor activities will be allowed, though some will still be subject to restrictions on numbers. Mitigation measures such as mask wearing by adults, social distancing and Track and Trace measures will need to be incorporated by users. There is a possibility that the mobile Library may return.
Although indoor gyms can open, exercise classes will not be permitted in Community Centres at this time.

MAY 17th is the date anticipated for the return of exercise classes and all other group activities, though they should run at 50% capacity. Certain social events will be allowed e.g. christenings or wakes but there is a limit of 30 people allowed. Film and theatre performances will be allowed and so the Committee is looking into the possibility of a Film Night on May 28th with a ticket-only, limited audience

JUNE 21st is the date currently anticipated when all restrictions will be lifted and life should return to normal.
Vice-Chair Sue Hardcare said "We are pleased to have a way forward indicated and can't wait until we can have the centre up and running again, busy with the sound of voices and laughter. Many groups coming back will have mitigation plans, devised for the ending of the first lockdown, ready to implement. Our own cleaning systems and track and trace provisions will remain in place for as long as necessary. We are also aware that some organisations may take their time to decide on their way forward as both health and financial considerations may make a return to normal more complicated. We urge any regular user, or anyone thinking of booking space, to contact us so that problems identified can be discussed and solutions found."

The guidance may well be subject to revision as more data on the on the progress of the pandemic becomes available.