As the Omicron coronavirus variant becomes the dominant variant across Scotland, the government urged city councils to act to reduce risks of transmission while continuing to provide essential services.
With that in mind, the East Lothian Council will be closing a number of facilities across the county.
Council Leader Norman Hampshire said: "East Lothian Council has been taking a responsive approach, managing resources and re-deploying resources appropriately to keep as many key facilities as possible open around the county.
"But the situation is likely to remain critical. We expect the shortage of staff, including cleaners, to continue and – whilst we have been taking steps to fill vacancies and mobilise temporary resources – we must plan now."
Currently, the council experiences a severe shortage of staff, related not only to the spike in Covid cases and therefore workers' sick leaves but also to vacancies that are not being filled. As a result, key roles, such as cleaning and caretaking, are affected.
The complete list of facilities that will be closed in January is as follows:
- The Pennypit, Prestonpans
- Longniddry Community Centre
- Prestongrange Museum
- Longniddry Library
- Musselburgh Town Hall
- Trevelyan Hall, Pencaitland
- Macmerry Village Hall
- Ormiston Library (a mobile library unit might continue to visit the village)
- Tranent Town Hall
- Haddington Corn Exchange (NHS Lothian uses the facility in support of the vaccination programme)
- Haddington Town House (closed for refurbishment)
- Gullane Library
- Dunbar Town House
- East Linton Library
Mr Hampshire said: "I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding regarding what are very difficult and frustrating decisions.
"The situation will be kept under review so that we can look to re-open facilities as soon as practical."
