Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart is calling on all Central Coast community members to strictly follow all requirements of the current Public Health Order and Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) direction in place to control the spread of the highly contagious delta variant of COVID-19.

“I welcome the NSW Government’s recent decision to re-classify the Central Coast region in the Public Health Orders, separating our region’s COVID-19 rules from the Greater Sydney region,” Mr Hart said.

“However whilst cases of COVID-19 on the Coast have been relatively low, it is vital that we do not become complacent – our actions are key to keeping our loved ones and our communities safe.

“We’ve recently detected fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 at our Bateau Bay Sewage Treatment Plant and new exposure sites continue to be announced – we must be vigilant and do the right thing. 

“NSW Health is leading this emergency and Council is actively sharing their key messages – stay home, mask-up, check-in, get vaccinated and seek out a COVID-19 test if you are experiencing even the mildest of symptoms.

“Council is also actively supporting the LEOCON in their role of emergency operations and their efforts to protect the Central Coast.

“It is going to be a beautiful weekend and heading out for exercise and a dose of Vitamin D is important for maintaining our wellbeing during this difficult time but Council is asking the Central Coast community to follow the clear directions of the Public Health Order and LEOCON.

“Head out for a walk at one of the Coast’s beautiful beaches or fantastic shared pathways but remember that physical distancing is critical.

“If you’re out in public areas or purchasing a coffee for example, keep your physical distance from others and follow the Public Health Order.

“By working together and doing the right thing we will keep our loved ones, colleagues and communities safe.”

Community members should refer to NSW Health and Central Coast Health communication channels for the latest COVID-19 information, advice and restriction details – nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Vaccination eligibility details are available on this webpage – health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines

Community members can access a number of COVID-19 testing clinics across the Central Coast – peoplebank.hneccphn.com.au/covid-testing-cc

Details of any COVID-19 related impacts to Council facilities and services are on Council’s website – centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19. COVID-19 information is also available on Council’s emergency dashboard – emergency.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/dashboard/overview