Eurobodalla Council is taking a cautious approach to today’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions, choosing to leave outdoor playgrounds and exercise equipment closed for now. Skate parks and public barbeques also remain off-limits. Picnic facilities will re-open from Friday 22 May.
General Manager Dr Catherine Dale said the council will continue to monitor NSW Government advice. “Decisions will be taken systematically and cautiously,” she said.
“We’ve decided to err on the safe side of the Premier’s advice about playgrounds and skate parks, and ours will remain taped off for now. That’s because we don’t have the resources to clean outdoor equipment with a frequency we’d be comfortable with at this critical time.
“It’s great to see restrictions starting to wind back and that’s a result of people doing the right thing. We’ve now got to be careful we don’t get complacent.”
Dr Dale said a plan was in place to re-open some of the shire’s larger playgrounds in coming weeks if the spread of the virus continued to slow.
From Friday 15 May, the NSW Government will allow:
· outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people
· cafes and restaurants can seat 10 patrons at any one time and continue to provide takeaway services
· up to 5 visitors may visit another household at any one time
· weddings can have up to 10 guests plus the celebrant and couple
· indoor funerals can have up to 20 mourners and outdoor funerals up to 30
· religious gatherings and places of worship can have up to 10 worshippers
· outdoor playground and exercise equipment can be used with caution (Eurobodalla’s outdoor play and exercise equipment will remain closed for now)
· outdoor pools will be open with restrictions (Batemans Bay and Moruya pools are closed for the season)
Council's customer service locations are closed including the main office in Moruya. Essential services continue as normal, and you can still carry out business with Council online or over the phone. Call 4474 1000 and email council@esc.nsw.gov.au
The libraries click and collect service started up again on Monday, and while the library buildings are closed for public browsing, online offerings including audiobooks are available 24/7.
Council’s community transport service continues for local appointments and essential medical transport, and one-on-one services have begun again for Council’s community care clients. Social and group outings are still on hold.
Tennis courts are once again available for casual hire and for coaching, with conditions.
Eurobodalla Council’s Recovery Helpdesk is available during business hours Monday to Friday by phone on 4474 7434, anytime by email at recovery@esc.nsw.gov.au and online at www.esc.nsw.gov.au/recovery
Find the full list of Council closures at www.esc.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus
