Penrith City Council: Response to COVID-19 outbreak

Friday, 20 March 2020

The health and safety of our community, residents and staff is Penrith Council’s top priority. We are closely following the advice of Government and health authorities on the COVID-19 outbreak.

The situation is constantly evolving with information from the Australian and NSW Governments and relevant health authorities continuing to add new measures on how to contain the outbreak.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said while service delivery has remained largely unaffected, Council is preparing for further developments should they arise.

“I’m pleased to say that apart from our civic and community events that we are looking to reschedule to later in the year, Council has been able to make modifications that has kept our services operational,” Cr Fowler said.

“We are following the advice of Government and health authorities with staff practising social distancing in the delivery of frontline services to the community.

“Good hygiene is paramount in containing the spread of the virus and I urge everyone in the community to implement good hygiene practices.

“I would also encourage the community to look after each other during what is an unprecedented time. Please take the time to check in on those who are most vulnerable by ensuring they have access to adequate food and hygiene items,” Cr Fowler said.

Library services at Council’s three locations have been restricted to loans and returns only with a temporary suspension on individual or group study, meetings, computer access (including WiFi, printing and Digital Help Desk), Research Room, Justice of the Peace services and all children’s activities. E-books, audiobooks, e-magazines and eResources are a great alternative available via the Library catalogue: library.penrith.city

Ripples Leisure Centres are continuing to operate and are working within the stringent NSW Health guidelines by implementing increased and ongoing cleaning and disinfecting practices. Council’s Waste Services are also operating as scheduled.

Council will continue to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and where appropriate, make adjustments to its operations and service delivery based on information from Government and health authorities.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Friday, 20 March 2020.