Brisbane City Council facilities begin to reopen after coronavirus shutdown

Brisbane’s recovery from coronavirus restrictions is in full swing as council announces the city’s pools and libraries will start to reopen, starting with The Valley Pool tomorrow.

BRISBANE residents will again be allowed to swim in public pools and browse local libraries as council continues reopening its facilities in the wake of the coronavirus.

The Valley Pool, in Fortitude Valley, will be the first of Brisbane’s pools to reopen, with swimmers allowed to enter the water as of tomorrow.

“It is the first public pool that was built in Brisbane so it is very fitting that … it will be the first public pool to reopen following the closure of all our pools on (March 23).”

Pools across Brisbane are starting to reopen after being closed during the coronavirus lockdown. Picture: Liam Kidston

Cr Vicki Howard said the Eight lane pool ‘played a key role’ in providing fitness and recreational opportunities to Brisbane residents.

“The operators of the Valley pool are experienced and have put in a series of measures to ensure the COVID-19 restrictions are met.”

Accordingly, swimmers cannot arrive at the pool without appointment and all sessions must be booked and paid for in advance.

Simmers will be required to undergo temperature checks before entering the venue and all shower facilities will be closed.

All 33 Council libraries will also be reopened for browsing, with eased coronavirus restrictions allowing 20 people into a venue.

“To access and browse the library collections, customers will be asked to sanitise their hands before handling any items on the shelves,” Cr Howard said.

Libraries will be offering limited printing services and internet sessions restricted to 15 minutes.

All new loans will revert to the standard 28-day loan period as of June 3.

Cr Howard said Council would be working with pool operators to reopen other facilities in the coming weeks.