Community / Recreational trust to reopen leisure centres in phases from Monday
SHETLAND Recreational Trust is to start a phased reopening of facilities across the islands from Monday (1 March).
The Clickimin gym along with the fitness suites in the Unst, Yell and Whalsay sites will be the first facilities to open from Monday.
Pool facilities at Scalloway, South Mainland and the centre at North Mainland will open from 8 March with the network of other sites and further facilities across the isles reopening from 15 March.
The Clickimin pool will be out of action until Monday 22 March due to repair work.
Although Shetland has been in protection level three since Boxing Day, permitting the opening of leisure facilities on a restricted basis, the trust had taken the decision to keep all facilities closed.
Shetland was dealing with a spike in Covid cases during January and the NHS were encouraging the public of Shetland to stay at home as much as possible.
Trust chief executive Steven Laidlaw said: “With the update of the roadmap from the Government and the fact that the local NHS are stating that there are currently no Covid cases in the isles, we feel that we can now work towards safely re-opening our facilities.
“The safety of our community, customers and staff are paramount so we’ll adopt a cautious approach to re-opening. We recognise the vital role that exercise and leisure plays for people’s mental and physical well-being so we’re happy to be in a position to start opening our doors again.”
Due to the guidance related to protection level three, available facilities and opening hours will be restricted and customers should check availability with their local centre.
As a result of the phased opening and restricted activities, all subscriptions are on freeze for March.
Any customers wishing to unfreeze their subscription should contact the trust.
The re-opening of facilities will be on the basis that the virus continues to be controlled locally and following the roadmap laid out by the Scottish Government.
Shetland Library, meanwhile, will reopen for customers to browse books on Monday.
The museum is also expected to reopen on 2 March.
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