Sports centre re-opening delayed by positive COVID-19 test

Published Tuesday, 4th August 2020

The planned re-opening of Brierton Sports Centre in Hartlepool has been delayed after a member of staff tested positive for COVID-19.

The staff member who tested positive had been in close contact with seven other employees and they have now been quarantined for 14 days as a result.

The Hartlepool Borough Council-run building had been due to partially re-open this week as part of a phased re-opening of leisure facilities across the town, but that date has now been pushed back until Wednesday August 12th. Mill House Leisure Centre is due to re-open on the same day and the Headland Sports Centre will follow in the week commencing August 17th.

Head of Leisure, Recreation and Participation Ian Gardiner said that following the positive test, the building had undergone a thorough deep clean.

He added: “While we have been able to honour some existing bookings for outdoor activities, the staffing implications of the positive COVID-19 test mean that we have been left with no option but to delay the general re-opening of the building.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this decision causes people, but the safety of customers and staff is and always will be our top priority.”

The Council has introduced a series of measures at its leisure facilities, including:

  • Staff training on COVID-19 management.
  • Signage throughout buildings offering clear guidance to customers on where to go and what to do.
  • New “gold standard” cleaning procedures.
  • The purchase of specialist decontamination equipment to ensure that gym facilities are safe to use.
  • Placing a member of staff at the entrance to facilities to welcome and guide customers.
  • Restricting the number of people allowed to take part in activities and requiring them to always book in advance.

For the latest re-opening updates go to www.gethartlepoolactive.co.uk/covid-19-info