COVID-19 is a medical emergency, but the economic and social impacts are vast and affecting us all.

I really urge residents to stay calm, look after your neighbours, friends and community where possible, but most importantly, follow the advice and guidelines of the Federal Government and NSW Health.

Wash hands regularly, reduce your contact with other people and practise 1.5 metre social distancing if you are outside the home, stay home if you're sick and refer to the NSW Health website as your main source of information (health.nsw.gov.au).

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Cowra Council is a major employer and is taking all necessary steps to ensure the wellbeing of our staff, but I would like to reassure our residents that Council are committed to the provision of essential services to our community, within the specified guidelines, during these challenging times.

Our managers have been working tirelessly to put plans in place to ensure water treatment and supply, waste water treatment, garbage collection and ranger services will continue to be delivered efficiently.

While facilities such as the Aquatic Centre, Art Gallery, Civic Centre and the Cowra Library are now closed, the situation is changing rapidly and Council will continue to closely monitor the situation alongside local health professionals and the Local Emergency Management Committee.

I would encourage you to visit Council's website for the latest information specific to Council's services (cowracouncil.com.au).

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Stay healthy and stay informed everyone.

I'm aware there has been misinformation spreading throughout the community which is not helpful and creates panic and uncertainty that potentially overloads our local and allied health facilities.

It is imperative that we all follow the advice and restrictions of the Federal and NSW Governments and use the appropriate government sources for information to do our part to slow down the spread of COVID-19.