Aucklanders are set to be reunited with their beloved libraries and fitness centres from Wednesday, 20 May, but those hoping to dip their toes in a council-operated swimming pool will be sorely disappointed.
Auckland Council is taking a phased approach to the reopening of its 400 community facilities to ensure they can meet the health and safety guidelines set under the Government's COVID-19 Alert Level 2. Thirty one (of out 55) libraries throughout the region are set to reopen on 20 May. Libraries from Albany to Mount Albert, Te Atatu Penisula and Central City will be open under normal hours, and most of the remaining libraries will open after Queen's Birthday weekend.
Community pools will stay shut until further notice in an effort to help water conservation efforts due to Auckland's drought. Swimmers will still be able to get in some laps at partner facilities across the city, including Newmarket's The Olympic, Mount Albert Leisure Centre, Onehunga War Memorial Leisure Centre, and Massey Leisure Centre.
While pools won't open for a little while longer, most fitness centres will open from Thursday, 21 May. The Council is putting special measures in place as a safeguard against the spread of COVID-19, including limits to the number of people allowed in facilities at any one time, contactless check-in for contact tracing and hygiene.
For a full list of council facilities opening this week, visit OurAuckland.
Read more about COVID-19 Alert Level 2 here and head to the New Zealand Government's Ministry of Health website for the latest COVID-19 advice.
