Antrim and Newtownabbey Council advice update as restrictions tighten

Visitors to council buildings are reminded that they must wear a face mask.

This includes leisure centres, community centres and exhibition spaces.

The council says: “We are at a critical point in the fight against Covid-19 and we must all play our part to prevent the spread of the virus.

“With this in mind, we would like to advise our residents that it is now essential that all customers wear a face covering whilst inside our council buildings.

“When visiting these buildings, please wear a face covering whilst moving around the building, or until you arrive at your activity of choice.

“You are not required to wear a face mask during activities, such as exercise.”

However, normal face mask exemptions apply. Read more about face masks here

The local authority has also advised that in response to the Northern Ireland Executive’s announcement earlier this week, leisure centre fitness classes are cancelled for the next four weeks from today (Friday, October 16).

Fitness suites and swimming pools will  remain open but sessions must be pre-booked.

The council says that as services are currently limited, all membership fees will be suspended during November.

Outdoor 3G, synthetic hockey, grass pitches and indoor court bookings will be suspended.

However, golf courses, driving ranges and Antrim Stadium will remain open.

The council has stated that bin and bulky goods collections will continue as normal.

Recycling centres, parks and open spaces, carparks, caravan parks and public toilets will remain open. Cemeteries will also be open.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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