Council is closely monitoring the situation with respect to COVID-19. To ensure the health and safety of the public we have chosen to increase the cleaning of key public toilet locations.

Four key public toilet facilities have been identified to increase the cleaning frequency and sanitation programs, along with additional cleaning procedures to minimise the potential spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. These facilities are located at:

• Marie Bashir Park
• Kiesling Lane
• Barellan public toilets
• Grong Grong public toilets

This step requires a decrease of service at non-key areas to ensure our staff can undertake the additional cleaning consistently. Where practicable other non-key toilet facilities will be closed or have appropriate signage to inform users that the toilets will be out of order due to the additional demand on supplies and resources.

Removal of germs that cause viruses such as COVID-19 requires thorough cleaning followed by disinfection. Cleaning is an essential part of disinfection as organic matter can deactivate many disinfectants. Cleaning reduces the soil load, allowing the disinfectant to then work.

How can we help prevent the spread of COVID-19?

A good standard of general hygiene is essential to ensure the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in public space settings like public toilets is minimised. Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against most viruses. You should:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• If unwell, avoid contact with others.

If you have any symptoms of coronavirus please call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.

More information

While coronavirus is of concern, it is important to remember that most people displaying symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or tiredness are likely suffering with a cold or other respiratory illness - not coronavirus.

For the latest advice, information and resources visit NSW Health at www.health.gov.au.

It is important that any information you receive about COVID-19 or any other infectious illness is evidence-based, real-time advice from health professionals and government officials.