With the news that the first cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) have been confirmed in the Central West, local leader say it is important that we stay calm and don’t panic

“It was inevitable that this virus was going to reach our area at some point, and now that it has, we need to deal with it calmly and methodically,” said Member for Calare, Andrew Gee.

“We need to be particularly conscious of those Australians in the high-risk groups being older Australians and those with immune system deficiencies, and the need to take extra care around our aged care facilities and hospitals.

“We can all help by washing and sanitising hands, not coughing into hands and practising good hygiene.”

Orange City Council CEO David Waddell also repeated the message to stay calm, listen to expert advice, wash your hands regularly and practice good cough etiquette.

 “Orange is not Robinson Crusoe and like many other regional centres, we’re part of a global community. Orange is a close-knit, sensible community and I’m confident we’ll be able to work with each other to get through this crisis together,” Mr Waddell said.

“Orange City Council will work in line with NSW Health and other national health agencies to implement the evidence-based guidance these bodies are providing. These are the bodies with expertise in managing a situation like this and Council will take advice and follow directives from government agencies and health authorities.

“It’s clear we’re going to be living with this situation for a while, and for that reason it’s important we manage these decisions thoughtfully and responsibly.”

He said Orange City Council has introduced measures to make sure these hand washing and cough etiquette are being actively encouraged at facilities such as the Aquatic Centre and council childcare centres.

“The Council provides a range of essential services and we have plans to manage the process of continuing to provide those services in the months to come. In a situation like this, it can’t be business as usual, but we’ll be doing our level best to provide those services, and we’ll continue to monitor the situation.”

While all council facilities are continuing to operate, if authorities respond to new evidence with new recommendations, Mr Waddell said they will respond promptly.

“We’ve established clear lines of communication with regional health authorities so that all sides can stay in the loop in the coming months.”

Health authorities advise people to practise social distancing to reduce the potential for transmission of COVID-19.

Social distancing includes: avoiding crowds and mass gatherings where it is difficult to keep the appropriate distance away from others; avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces, for example family celebrations; attempting to keep a distance of 1.5 metres between themselves and other people where possible, for example when they are out and about in public place; avoiding shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people; and avoiding visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, infants, or people with compromised immune systems due to illness or medical treatment.