Reaction to localised Sydney Northern Beaches COVID outbreak a model for localised pandemic action

In response to the number of active COVID cases being reported on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Northern Beaches Council has taken strong measures to protect the health of the community following the advice of NSW Health.

Northern Beaches Council has closed skate parks, playgrounds, outdoor gyms, Manly and Warringah aquatic centres, community centres, libraries, golf and tennis courts, as well as cultural facilities such as museums and theatres, until 20th December.

Northern Beaches Mayor, Michael Regan said NSW Health had released a request for all Northern Beaches residents to stay home for the next three days in an effort to assist with contact tracing and reduce the spread of the virus.

The NSW Health request includes working from home where possible, not visiting aged care facilities or hospitals unless essential, avoiding unnecessary gatherings at clubs, restaurants, places or worships and gyms, and avoiding unnecessary travel outside of the Northern Beaches area.

Mayor Regan notes “It’s really tough but we’ve gotten through this before and we will again.

“The temporary closures we are announcing for the next three days are in the interest of everyone’s health and safety and really important while the contact tracers continue to do their work and NSW Health get more of a sense on where we stand.

“It is as important as ever that our community follow the health advice – stay home, stay within family groups, wash hands and if any symptoms appear please get tested.

“The community should be assured we will maintain all essential services like waste collection, childcare, Meals on Wheels, road maintenance as well as customer service online and on the phone.”

Facilities and services which will be temporarily closed from Friday 18th Dec to Sunday 20th Dec include:

• Customer Service Centres

• Skate parks and playgrounds

• Community sporting activities in parks and reserves

• Outdoor gyms

• Manly Dam

• Manly and Warringah aquatic centres

• All community centres

• All libraries

• Glen Street Theatre

• Manly Art Gallery and Museum

• Creative Space in North Curl Curl

• Manly Visitor Information Centre

• Kimbriki Buy Back Centre and the Eco House & Garden

• Environmental centres and programs

• The Aboriginal Heritage Office in Freshwater

• Council managed golf and tennis courts

Mayor Regan adds "these are very challenging times. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding as we manage these difficult circumstances in the interests of the health of our community.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said that everyone in Greater Sydney "need to be on high alert".

At the time of writing, NSW Health has identified 30 venues that may have been community transmission sites, as well as public-transport services used by those diagnosed with the virus. People who have recently visited the venues, or travelled on the relevant services are urged to get tested and self-isolate. Find the list here.