BATHURST Regional Council has been forced to shut down a raft of council-run facilities in response to the coronavirus crisis.
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The city's museums, library and art gallery all closed their doors at noon on Monday and will remain shut indefinitely after Premier Gladys Berejiklian ordered a comprehensive shutdown of non-essential services to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
Essential council services including water, sewer and waste will continue while services like building and food inspections will occur when necessary and appropriate.
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Council's Russell Street civic centre will remain open with all visitors asked to exercise appropriate social distancing when inside the building.
Residents who are unwell are asked not to enter the building.
Mayor Bobby Bourke said council had acted quickly and responsibly to comply with the new government orders.
"It is important we follow these guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19," Cr Bourke said.
"We understand these closures will have a significant impact on our community and we are working to provide alternate business delivery methods for facilities like our library and information centre during the closure.
"Given the speed at which this decision has been made it will take us a day or two to get these new systems in place.
"We will continue to communicate with the community as this situation continues."
The full list of council shutdowns from noon on Monday includes:
- Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre.
- Bathurst Library.
- Bathurst Regional Art Gallery.
- Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum.
- Chifley Home.
- Bathurst Rail Museum.
- National Motor Racing Museum.
Bathurst Visitor Information Centre will shut indefinitely from close of business on Tuesday.
Council facilities which remain open but with social distancing and/or other restrictions include:
- Small Animal Pound: Pet adoptions available by appointment only.
- Civic Centre. Open with appropriate social distancing methods.
- Bathurst Children's Services : Open with appropriate social distancing and only attend if you are well.
- Kelso Community Hub: Still being used for NSW Health clinics. Other services suspended.
- Aerodrome: Open with appropriate social distancing.
Council will continue to update its website and social media platforms with information on facilities and services as required.
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