VISITORS to libraries and museums in the borough will be asked to wear face coverings from Monday.

Face mask have been made mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England from today.

Under the government guidelines, wearing face coverings in museum and library shops is also compulsory, but not in the rest of the building.

However, Bolton Council is asking all visitors to wear one in all library and museum spaces for the added protection of staff and visitors.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member with responsibility for libraries and museums, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “Our priority is keeping all staff and visitors safe. Since our buildings reopened, we have put procedures in place including restricting visitor numbers and hand sanitising stations.

“We have also implemented social distancing measures such as one-way systems and floor markings.

“But we still need to be careful and cautious. Coronavirus hasn’t gone away and that’s why we’re asking people to wear a mask – it’s for everyone’s protection.”

Bolton Museum reopened on July 14, and is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

Central Library is open for book browsing, public computers and an order and collect system.

Breightmet, Farnworth, Harwood, Horwich, and Westhoughton libraries also have order and collect system available.

Library opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm.

For more information, visit the Bolton Library and Museum website or call 01204 332853.

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