Libraries, Museum and VIC to reopen Monday

From Monday 1 June Armidale Regional Council will progressively ease COVID-19 restrictions on a range of services in-line with public health orders and guidance from the NSW Government.

Libraries in Armidale and Guyra, The Armidale Folk Museum and the Armidale Visitor Information Centre will reopen to the community after the NSW Government announced that they could reopen from Monday 1 June. The Civic Administration Buildings of Armidale and Guyra will continue to remain closed and reviewed at a later date.

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Cr Simon Murray said the latest easing of restrictions and the opening of regional travel meant a significant step back to some normality for residents in the Armidale region.

“This is great news for the community and for Council as we welcome back people into our public spaces,” said Cr Murray.

“Customers to Council spaces like the libraries will see some changes as we, like all businesses, implement social distancing and good hygiene practices. For the Library, this will mean reducing days for library book return chutes to be open to allow for quarantining.”

There will also be limits on the number customers entering Council facilities, with social distancing signage and hand sanitiser available. Customers entering any of council’s public spaces are reminded to continue social distancing practices and not come into a facility if they are unwell or have recently been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

To protect the more vulnerable members of our community, Mayor Murray said the decision has been made to initially delay the return of volunteers to council spaces.

“We have such an amazing group of volunteers, particularly at the Armidale Visitor Information Centre. We take their health very seriously so for the time being they won’t be returning. This will mean limiting opening hours for the Visitors Information Centre in the short term.”

As restrictions are eased and public spaces are reopened, Council is also implementing a staged return to work plan. All staff currently working from home will progressively move back to normal duties and work locations in line with recommendations from Government and health authorities.

For detailed information on the reinstatement of council services including revised opening hours and the status of other council facilities, visit  the coronavirus page

Published on 28 May 2020