Orange's library, museum and visitor information centre have been cleared to reopen from Tuesday ahead of an expected influx of visitors over the long weekend.
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The NSW Government clearances to allow the centres to reopen on Monday hadn't come in by close of business on Friday, but the latest decisions from government and health authorities have permitted the reopening of the Visitor's Information Centre, Orange Regional Museum, and Orange City Library.
Orange City Council has responded to the latest decisions from the Government and health authorities re-opening some services, with measures to ensure social distance put in place.
Orange City Council's CEO David Waddell said council had been waiting on government advice before opening the centres.
"This day has been long awaited for many, especially the staff of the Visitor's Information Centre, Museum and Library," he said.
"We have put a number of social distancing measures in place to ensure the health and safety of patrons to each at our services that we have now re-opened."
"Staff at the Visitor's Information Centre have had an increasing number of enquiries both on the phone and online, and to stay in line with the Governments recommendations the VIC will now offer a face-to-face concierge service to comply with safe social distancing guidelines."
The library will have hours limited from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and from 10am-4pm on Saturdays and 1pm-5pm on Sundays. It won't be possible for patrons to browse.
Mr Waddel said people must adhere to social distancing regulations (including staff) and can only stay for a maximum time of 30 minutes, while members can only return items and borrow using self-check units.
"All other services are currently unavailable including public PCs, photocopying, newspaper reading, study and research. Events such as 'Storytime' and 'Music for Little Ears,' are available online until it is safe for them to return to the library," he said.
There is a limit of 80 visitors at a time at the Orange Regional Museum, operating from 9am-4pm daily. The Museum has two new exhibitions on display, so those wishing to visit the Museum can do so by booking a timeslot online or on site.
The gallery will stay closed during ongoing renovations.
"All Council services that have re-opened today will follow strict COVIDSafe plans and enforce strict social distancing measures," Mr Waddell said.
"We ask that all visitors please wash their hands both before and after visiting Council facilities, and use the hand sanitiser provided."
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