Kempsey Shire Council took a proactive step at Tuesday's council meeting to get ahead of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic by stating it will take future directions from health authorities and monitor the situation at a local level.
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It was also revealed at the meeting that there has been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Kempsey Local Government Area as of Monday, March 16.
Although the virus has not reached the Macleay, council acknowledges there are steps that can be taken to ensure that if and when the virus does reach the valley, the rate of infection can be slowed so local health services are not overwhelmed.
"The situation is being monitored every hour by council," mayor Liz Campbell said.
"We are a leader of the community and we need to take a proactive and serious approach to COVID-19."
Councillor Bruce Morris added an amendment to the motion that council acknowledge the Business Community Plan, which involves a series of sub plans and specific actions to be implemented if a major disruption to usual business practices occur, and urge residents to implement good hygiene practices.
"We are urging residents to practice good hygiene and to stay at home if they are feeling unwell," mayor Campbell said.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to restrict the risk of the virus spreading, council has cancelled a number of community events that were to be held over the coming months.
"Library events have been cancelled until the end of April and unfortunately, the Face to Face, Side by Side - Ladies Luncheon and Bushfire Parade and Concert have been postponed."
As part of the proactive measures, residents are urged to follow advice from health authorities regarding good hygiene practices including:
- Covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
- Disposing of tissues properly
- Washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet
- Using alcohol-based hand sanitisers
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
- If you are sick, avoid contact with others and stay more than 1.5 metres away from people
"Times like this is when we must work together. The next few months are unprecedented and we don't have a rule book for this," mayor Campbell said.
Medical centres are urging residents to take precautions to prevent the potential spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
If you have travelled to an at-risk country or been in close contact with someone with the virus, please isolate and call your GP or 1800 022-222 for further advice.
If you are having trouble breathing and been to an at-risk country or a known COVID-19 contact, go to the emergency department.
For more information about the virus, please visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au
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