The safety of communities is the top priority for councils across the Hunter Region as the Coronavirus pandemic takes hold.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that public health was the number one priority for its response to COVID-19.
“We’re actively working within the Local Emergency Management Committee – with NSW Police, NSW Fire Brigades, SES, Health, Transport for NSW to ensure that our city is adequately equipped and prepared,” she said.
“The City is also liaising with partners including the Office of Local Government, neighbouring councils, the University of Newcastle, Port of Newcastle and the Newcastle Airport to ensure consistent information is shared with our community.”
Meanwhile, events across the region are taking a hit after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that gatherings of 500 people or more (excluding schools, universities and public transport) would be cancelled from Monday.
Mr Morrison has also introduced tougher travel restrictions with all international arrivals required to participate in a mandatory 14-day quarantine period.
All cruise ship bookings at the Port of Newcastle have also been cancelled following the ban on foreign cruise ships.
NSW Health has advised that anyone who shows symptoms should seek medical advice.
Symptoms include fever, coughing, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties while fatigue and having a sore throat have also been reported.
Go to health.nsw.gov.au for more information.
