Further relaxations to the COVID19 restrictions came into effect in NSW yesterday, Monday 8 November.
"The biggest impact on Council services is that the Manning Entertainment Centre can now open to 100% capacity for double vaccinated people for shows, and tickets are selling fast for the first show tonight, John Williamson," Council's Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell explained.
It's welcome news that for all other venues, especially the Manning Regional Art Gallery and Libraries, capacity can now be increased to one person per two square metres, effectively a doubling of numbers allowed in venues.
It's important to note that many restrictions remain in place, especially as the MidCoast and other regional NSW areas continue to experience daily new cases.
Masks are still required to be worn in indoor settings, and mandatory check-in and presentation of vaccination certificates is required at Council venues, including the Libraries, Art Gallery, Entertainment Centre and pools.
"Unfortunately, many of our non staffed facilities, such as some regional pools, cannot open while we are still required to check people in and supervise the numbers attending," Mr De Szell said.
Libraries will continue to operate on reduced hours as staff resources allow, given that staff has been diverted to undertake door check-ins and manage the Click and Collect service for those who cannot attend libraries in person.
While Nabiac and Old Bar Libraries will remain closed, as they are run by volunteers, click and collect is available from both locations, with site-specific arrangements in place.
The current arrangement for other libraries across the MidCoast is now extended until 15 December. They are open weekdays until 1pm, with click and collect available until 4pm and Tea Gardens, Gloucester, Forster and Taree Libraries are all open Saturday.
"We continue to appreciate the support and understanding from our communities through what is a difficult time for everyone," Mr De Szell added.
"As always we're adapting to the situation and have community service and safety at the centre of our decision making."
