PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has reviewed its major services and facilities and put measures in place to face the challenges presented by COVID-19 impacts.
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Acting general manager Jeffery Sharp said council is taking a range of measures to ensure it can continue to provide essential services, and ensure the well-being of its staff and the community.
In line with Australian Health recommendations, council is asking residents to avoid visiting council facilities if feeling unwell, to practice good hygiene, and to follow the advice of health authorities regarding isolation protocol.
"We have implemented important measures including increased cleaning and disinfection of high touch-point areas and are also encouraging customers to, where possible, consider the use of our online service options," Mr Sharp said.
"We've also increased staffing within our call centre team, who are available on 6581 8111 during business hours.
"We encourage you to visit council's website for numerous resources and tools to assist you in doing business with council. This is a challenging time for us all, and we aim to maintain our levels of service, however to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community we've made some changes."
Those changes include canceling all shows at The Glasshouse up to May 3, however the Regional Gallery and Visitor Information Centre currently remain open.
Council's three libraries in Laurieton, Port Macquarie and Wauchope remain open at this stage, however programs and activities have been suspended until further notice. This includes activities for children such as story times, baby bounce and programs for adults such as author talks.
"In accordance with Government requirements that four square metres is provided per person in an enclosed space, council will need to monitor numbers in spaces like our libraries," Mr Sharp said.
"There are also a number of community and major events that have been cancelled or postponed, and we suggest you contact each event organiser for more information."
All other council facilities remain open at this stage including the customer service centres, waste transfer facilities, public pools, indoor stadiums, the Innes Gardens Crematorium and Cemetery and the Port Macquarie Airport.
"We also advise anyone that uses or hires council venues and facilities to abide by the Australian Government and the NSW Department of Health directives. Our delivery of services such as water, sewer, waste management and our maintenance programs remain unchanged at this stage," Mr Sharp said.
"We thank people for their patience and understanding during these challenging times."
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