From today the public gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted and council are taking steps to reopen outdoor recreation facilities, including playgrounds, public barbecues, shelters and outdoor gym equipment.

Signs will be erected to remind users to maintain hygiene standards and appropriate social distancing.

Having been open for individual use throughout the crisis, council's sports fields can now be used by small groups conditional upon their following public health requirements.

Kempsey Shire Council General Manager Craig Milburn celebrated the opportunity to reopen facilities while cautioning the community to remain vigilant.

"It is a great relief to be able to take the first steps to return our community to normal," he said.

"At the same time, we need everyone to act responsibly and abide by the public health orders, which the police will still be enforcing."

Facilities will be reopened by council's operations teams over a number of days as sites are inspected and prepared.

"The process of reopening these facilities will take a number of days as our teams work to ensure spaces are tidy and appropriate signage is in place," Mr Milburn said.

"There may be a slight delay in reopening some playgrounds where they require maintenance works such as lawn mowing, as some of our schedules have been disrupted by coronavirus."

One playground can now receive its very first use, as work to install new play equipment at Services Park was completed last week.

In a further easing of COVID-19 restrictions, council's Customer Service Centre will also partially reopen from Monday May 18, to assist those people who cannot complete their council business online or over the phone.

The centre will have restricted opening hours of 10am - 2pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Hygiene and social-distancing measures will be in place. Customer Service staff are available online and by phone on 6566 3200 during normal business hours.

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