Earlier this week Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that the next stage of the government’s roadmap would go ahead as planned on 12th April.
Medway Council has continued to deliver vital services to residents throughout the pandemic and has offered some services in innovative ways, such as online, whilst restrictions were in place.
The council has been working on plans to safely reopen more of its services, with social distancing measures in place, in line with government advice.
Libraries and Community Hubs
All of Medway’s libraries and community hubs will reopen from Monday, 12th April. Residents will be able to browse books, make council enquiries and a limited number of public computers will be available.
Medway libraries will continue to offer a Click & Collect service. Residents can reserve books online to collect in their local library as well as order caddy liners, daily parking vouchers, dog waste bags, radar keys and electricity cards or buy them in person. Residents can also buy parking vouchers by calling the council’s Parking Services Team on: 01634 332266.
Family and activity sessions will be postponed, or available online, until further notice. To find out more, visit: medway.gov.uk/libraries
Sports Centres
Medway Council’s sports centres will reopen on Monday, 12th April for gym sessions, swimming lessons and swimming sessions. Racket sports such as badminton, table tennis and squash will also resume however residents are only able to play with members of their own households. All sports sessions must be booked in advance.
Outdoor fitness classes are also being held at Hoo and Strood Sports Centres and Medway Park in Gillingham. A wide range of classes are available including spin, pilates, kickboxing, skip fit, bootcamp, kettlebells and aerobics. The classes will be held under an awning to allow socially distanced classes to take place undercover. Strood Soccer Centre and club track sessions at Medway Park resumed on Monday, 29th March.
Medway Park also has a new, simplified parking scheme for customers. From Monday, 12th April, instead of paying to park and requesting a refund, customers will be able to simply enter their vehicle registration details at one of the new parking terminals in reception, once they’ve checked in for their sports session.
All sessions must be booked online in advance. To book, visit: medway.gov.uk/sport
NHS Test and Trace
Visitors to council buildings will be asked to check in using the NHS COVID-19 app or asked to supply their name, Email, phone number and postcode. These details will be kept for 21 days and will be handed to the National Test and Trace system if needed, as part of the government’s response to stop the spread of coronavirus and save lives.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said:
“I am pleased that we are able to welcome residents back into our libraries and sports centres once again. We have put a range of measures in place to ensure the safety of both our customers and staff. I would encourage residents to continue to follow social distancing guidelines when they visit us and to wear face coverings, where appropriate. Although it is great news that we are able to open up more of our services we must all continue to follow the latest government advice to protect our friends and family. It also remains important that we all play our part to protect lives and stop the spread of the virus in Medway.”
For the latest coronavirus service updates in Medway, visit: medway.gov.uk/coronavirus
For the latest coronavirus service updates in Medway, visit: medway.gov.uk/coronavirus
Medway Council
