Leisure centres to close to the public

LEISURE centres and swimming pools across Shetland are set to close to the public due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

Shetland Recreational Trust’s network of centres will shut at 5pm today (17 March). There is no indication as to when they will reopen.

The decision to temporarily shut the centres was made following the latest government and Health Protection Scotland advice to limit all unnecessary social contact.

Facilities will still be available for the schools service if required during the period of public closure.

The decision will be regularly reviewed to assess whether all or part of the trust’s network could be reopened.

Shetland Recreational Trust general manager James Johnston said: “The coronavirus outbreak presents us with an unprecedented challenge. In dealing with this situation we are guided by the latest advice from the Scottish government and Health Protection Scotland.

“Unfortunately, that has led us to conclude that we must temporarily close all our leisure centres. This was a difficult decision but I am sure that people will understand the reason why it has been taken.

“We will be continually reviewing the situation and listening to the latest government advice.”