Camden Council is taking a number of actions to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading.

The first is postponing the following events until the situation improves, so the community can still enjoy what was planned:

• Seniors Festival (ending 25 March);
• Camden Cultures (Saturday 21 March);
• Spring Farm Community Centre Opening (Saturday 4 April);
• Youth Week (1-9 April);
• Bounce Town and Oran Park Water Play Space Opening (Wednesday 15 April); and
• International Day of Mourning (28 April).

Over the next two weeks (until Sunday 5 April), Council is also cancelling:

• Its Bushcare program; and
• Planned activities at Camden, Narellan and Oran Park Libraries.

Council will also be temporarily closing the Narellan and Camden offsite Customer Service Hubs, which are located in Narellan and Camden Libraries respectively.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said Council’s first priority is the safety and health of residents, staff and visitors.

"It’s incredibly disappointing that we’re having to make these adjustments," Cr Theresa Fedeli said.

"These events and regular programs are resident favourites and so loved throughout the community and our staff have worked incredibly hard to deliver them.

"But when I think about how many people in the community that have the potential to be affected by not taking action now, I know postponing or cancelling them is 100 per cent the right decision.

"Council has a responsibility to our residents to take precautionary measures. The absolute number one priority is to protect our community and staff, particularly around large gatherings and events.

"We will be assessing other upcoming events, as well as our regular program of activities, on a weekly basis. If they, too, need to be postponed, we will make those calls. For now, I’d like to thank the community for their understanding and implore our residents to follow advice given by NSW Health."

In line with advice from NSW Health, Council is asking residents and visitors to:

Stay home if you are feeling unwell;

• Self-isolate for 14 days if you have returned from overseas; and
• Practice simple hygiene by:
• Cleaning your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub; and
• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow.
  Council is also appealing to local community groups, who are scheduled to run events on Council-owned land during this period, to either cancel or postpone to when the situation has improved.

Council is also reminding residents that, on 15 March, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard made an Order under Section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010 to force the immediate cancellation of major events with more than 500 people. Individuals who fail to comply could face up to six months in prison or a fine of up to $11,000 or both, plus additional penalties for each day the offence continues. Corporations face even harsher fines.

For more information, including a full list of library activities cancelled, visit camden.nsw.gov.au or call 4654 7777.

Information in relation to COVID-19 is changing constantly. For the most up-to-date information and advice, visit health.nsw.gov.au