CORONAVIRUS-related absences are forcing the temporary closure of a number of community facilities.

Staff shortages mean some of East Lothian’s libraries are operating on reduced hours this week.

Ormiston Library was closed yesterday (Monday), while Gullane and East Linton’s libraries are closed today (Tuesday).

Ormiston Library will again be closed tomorrow (Wednesday) while Port Seton Library is shut on Thursday.

The Port Seton Centre will close early at 5pm today and will shut at 4pm on Thursday and 6.30pm on Friday.

The café is closed to the public all week.

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: “We are grateful to users for their patience and understanding at this difficult time.

“We hope to resume normal service as quickly as possible.”

The Courier had asked if the staff shortages were related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The spokesperson added: “While COVID-related issues are continuing to present difficulties to council resources and staffing challenges there are different types of staff absence being experienced, as well as some vacancies we are hoping to fill.”