In light of the recent updates to the Public Health Order, we will be making a series of changes to the way our community interacts with our services, facilities and staff.
From Monday 4 January we will be following the NSW Health Guidelines by asking all customers over the age of 12 to wear a mask when using an indoor Council facility.
This step is part of our transition towards supporting and encouraging all community members to wear a mask and stay safe when out in the community.
From Monday, the following services will require the wearing of masks:
- Council's Customer Service Centre.
- Wollongong Art Gallery.
- Our libraries.
- Entryways, change rooms, waiting areas and customer service areas in our indoor pool, gyms, spa and sauna and hall at Beaton Park and Lakeside Leisure Centres. Advice will be provided at each Centre on the requirement to wear a mask for specific activities.
- All community facility buildings.
- Volunteering Illawarra.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM thanked community members for their continued support and understanding as Council made changes to normal business operations.
"Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still a risk within our community, and we need to continue to work together to support each other and take appropriate steps to protect one another from the virus.
"Our goal is to protect the vulnerable members of our community and look after the wellbeing and safety of our staff and volunteers, their families and broader community. Wearing masks and maintaining 1.5 meters distance from others are effective ways to prevent the spread of the virus."
"Council will continue to follow the latest updates to the Public Health Order that makes wearing masks in indoor settings compulsory. We will encourage all our customers using Council's indoor facilities and services to follow these guidelines."
These changes come into effect from tomorrow, Monday 4 January 2021, and are in line with our community-oriented, risk-based approach to the delivery of our services during this challenging time.
At present we will not close any of our services but will continue to monitor the NSW Health Guidelines for any changes to current restrictions.
"From Monday, we will be asking community members over the age of 12 to wear a mask when using Council services and facilities. These changes will take a little while to get right, and we will be supporting our community members as we get used to this new way of working," said Cr Bradbery.
"We know that not everyone can wear a mask due to health conditions. Please be respectful of others who may not be able to wear a mask as it may not be obvious."
"We understand that some of these changes may cause minor disruptions to the daily life of our residents. Thank you to all of our community members for your patience and understanding as we continue to adapt to changing COVID restrictions."
We will continue to review the latest advice from NSW Health and the Australian Government and will post updates on our City of Wollongong Facebook page, and on our website.
For the latest updates about COVID-19 cases, health advice, restrictions and testing locations, please see the NSW Health website.
