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Casuarina Library will be closed to the general public from close of business today.

The closure action is a result of new indoor space restrictions announced by the Federal Government amid Australia’s COVID-19 response.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison today announced new space restrictions of four square metres per person in an enclosed space for non-essential activities.

To comply with the new restrictions, City of Darwin CEO Scott Waters has directed the Council’s highest patron volume library at Casuarina to be closed until further notice.

“At all times, the health and safety of our staff, customers and community is our priority during the COVID-19 response,” Mr Waters said.

“We know our libraries are an important community service for Darwin residents at this difficult time so to comply with the new restrictions, patronage at all other city libraries will be capped in the interim period at 25 visitors at any one time and we urge patrons to make visits short in length.”

Mr Waters said the newly announced “Seniors and Disability Hours” will continue on weekdays between 9am and 11am where only older Darwin residents and people with disabilities would be able to access libraries if they can show a relevant government-issued seniors or disability card.

City of Darwin Libraries will be closed to undertake additional surface cleaning between 11am and midday after which they would be open for use by the general public between midday and 5pm. The arrangements will remain in place until further notice.

Mr Waters said new space restrictions had been scenario planned already with some Council employees being relocated to other buildings from Monday as a further health and safety measure.

He said City of Darwin official council meetings would also be relocated to the function room of the Civic Centre building.