Covirus 19 coronavirus: Aucklanders may have to wait longer to get to the group or borrow books

Aucklanders desperate to borrow a stack of library books or take a dip in a public pool may have to wait a few more days.

The Auckland Council warned that its libraries, swimming pools, leisure centers and community centers are likely to reopen in stages, rather than all at once.

This afternoon, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that New Zealand will move to Alert Level 2 on Thursday.

Retail stores, shopping malls, cafes, restaurants, movie theaters, schools and other public spaces can reopen in 48 hours, although physical distance is still needed.

In a statement tonight, the Auckland Council said it welcomed the impending reduced alert level after six weeks of closure.

But Chief Executive Stephen Town said the council was carefully considering how and when to open its facilities when level 2 began.

“With over 400 facilities in Auckland, including 55 libraries, 38 swimming pools and entertainment centers, and nearly 250 community-managed and council-managed locations, we need to open our facilities on Level 2 in a safe and manageable way for our staff and customers and ensures the achievements we made at level 3, “he said.

“Given the scale and size of our facilities, this is likely to mean a phased approach in some areas as we return to new and safer normalcy.”

Strict hygiene protocols and physical detachment were essential to maintain the health and safety of council staff and the local community, Town said.

Information on which facilities will reopen at level 2 and when they will launch this week.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said he welcomed the greater freedom that will come with the reduced alert level, which will allow businesses to reopen.

“But with that freedom comes responsibility,” he said.

“We still need to look at the physical detachment and increased hygiene approach that we have learned in the past few months.

“And we should all avoid reckless behavior that increases the risk of virus transmission.”

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While Auckland Council facilities may reopen on level 2, restrictions will remain.

People must be kept at least one meter apart, which can lead to facilities that limit the number of people allowed within one time.

Public pools and gyms may reopen, but restrictions will apply again.

Some places may remain closed if they can’t open safely, Ardern said.