As New South Wales enters the first stage of reopening following COVID-19 lockdown on Monday 11 October, Kempsey Shire Council will alter the ways in which services are provided in line with the public health order.
NSW Health's Public Health Order will see rules change for individuals and businesses, including Council, and will particularly impact unvaccinated adults in terms of the ways goods and services are provided across the state.
The key Council services impacted by the new regulations are:
- Libraries
- Pools
- The Slim Dusty Centre
- The ReUse Shop
- Visitor Information Centres
- Community Halls
Kempsey Shire Council General Manager, Craig Milburn said only a handful of Kempsey Shire Council's facilities are impacted by these changes and that Council's priority is the safe provision of services to our community.
"Under the Public Health Order, those who wish to visit the shire's libraries must be fully vaccinated, continue to check-in and staff will be checking visitors' vaccination status and ensuring they have checked-in to these premises."
For residents who are not fully vaccinated, library branches are offering a click-and-collect service that does not require entry but does require a mask to be worn for collection.
"The shire's swimming pools in Crescent Head, Gladstone, Kempsey and South West Rocks can only admit residents who are fully vaccinated. Those entering public pools must check-in and show their vaccination status to staff upon entry."
Similar to essential services like banks and pharmacies, Council's Customer Service Centre does not fit into the category of premises that require mandatory vaccination, however residents will still be required to check-in and wear a mask.
Council's facilities that are staffed by volunteers will remain closed until proof of vaccination is no longer an entry requirement. This includes the ReUse Shop at the Waste Management Centre and South West Rocks Visitor Information Centre. Council is also working with the various Community Hall Committee groups, with situations varying at each location.
