Central Coast coronavirus: Council cancels events and changes services

As the Central Coast records its fifth confirmed case of coronavirus, council has announced event cancellations, changes to services and increased cleaning of public spaces. See the full list here.

Central Coast Council has announced event cancellations and changes in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Sue Graham

• Central Coast coronavirus: 5 cases confirmed in the region
• Davistown Wetlands: Central Coast Council to vote on making an offer to purchase the site

Central Coast Council has announced a swag of event cancellations and changes to its services including the pelican feeding at The Entrance.

The council is taking precautions in response to the coronavirus pandemic, as the Central Coast records its fifth confirmed case of the virus, and is taking advice from state and federal health departments.

The council’s chief executive officer Gary Murphy said interruptions to some non-essential services were “inevitable”.

“Our job right now is ensuring we play our part in managing as best we can the spread of coronavirus and ensuring safety of staff and the general public,” he said.

Council CEO Gary Murphy says interruptions to events and services was “inevitable”. Picture: Sue Graham

“Increased cleaning services are in place across facilities open to the public and notification to community about health information is available at all venues.

“We have work continuity plans in place for our workforce including restrictions to working to one workplace, limited face-to-face meetings, remote working from home capability and ability to scale down some service areas as required due to staff unavailability.”

It comes as many events and winter sporting competitions have been either cancelled or postponed until later in the year.

The highly anticipated Under The Southern Stars festival at Gosford has been postponed until 2021, along with the 5 Lands Walk.

All public Anzac Day commemoration services have also been cancelled by RSL NSW.

Events cancelled

■ Performances at Laycock Street Theatre and The Art House Wyong are postponed or cancelled until the end of April. This includes Mamma Mia – The Musical

■ Pelican Feeding at The Entrance closed until April 1

■ Youth Week and School holiday activities.

■ Flavours by the Sea – March 21 2020

■ There will be no public forum before Monday’s council meeting in Wyong and the public gallery will be closed. The public can watch via the webcast.

Performances at Laycock Street Threatre have been postponed. Picture: Sue Graham

■ All non-essential council run programs, workshops, activities and events are cancelled until April 30.

■ All library programs and events are cancelled until 30 April.

■ Gosford Regional Gallery program changes include the cancellation of the opening night events for the Emerging 2020 and the Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize and Coastal Sanctuaries, Gallery tours and Edogawa Commemorative Garden with exhibitions continuing to be open to the public

■ Live Well Central Coast – March 28 to April 5 2020

■ Summer series

All public Anzac Day events have been cancelled by RSL NSW. Picture: Sue Graham

A-League games have been closed to the public. Picture: Tony Feder

■ Waterfront performers at The Entrance

■ Central Coast Country Music Festival

■ Central Coast Stadium A-League games will be closed to the public this weekend. The NRL game has also been moved to Sydney and is closed to the public.

■ Sporting competitions, with large numbers, at council’s leisure centres.

Services interrupted

■ All non-essential Council run programs are cancelled until April 30.

■ All library outreach services cancelled until April 30.

■ Council-run Senior Centres at Ettalong and Gosford and community managed Senior Centres at Toukley and Terrigal are closed until April 14.

■ Gwandalan Library Link at the Community Hall Gwandalan is closed until further notice.