With facilities including Newcastle Art Gallery, the city's libraries, Newcastle Museum and beaches closed because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the council has been making arrangements for its staff and planning for possible further government restrictions as the global situation continues to rapidly change.

A City of Newcastle spokeswoman said "meaningful work" has continued to exist for staff of facilities - such as the libraries - where a digital focus has taken over following closures. Where this has not been possible, staff have been redeployed to other areas of council work.

She said staff are being allowed to do their jobs from home in cases where it was "possible to undertake productive and meaningful work".

"City of Newcastle staff were [this week] advised that should the federal or state government order a lockdown, those with non-essential roles will of course not be required to work," the spokeswoman said.

"Ten days 'special leave' will be paid to all City of Newcastle permanent and term contract (fixed-term, temporary, trainees and apprentices) employees.

"Beyond two weeks, staff will be asked to use their existing leave entitlements such as annual, long service and/or sick leave.

"The challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting all organisations in all sectors and will continue for months to come."

Councils across the region have been shutting down certain facilities and services that have either been deemed non-essential or where there are alternative ways to deliver those services.

Cessnock City Council this week closed its administration centre, instead directing people to its website, phone line or email address to avoid face-to-face contact.

Maitland City Council has shut down its libraries, Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland Gaol, the city's public pools and the visitor information centre, while Singleton Shire closed its library, youth venue and customer service centres until further notice.

"We have a dedicated workforce committed to providing the best possible services to our community, who are getting on with important and meaningful work, whether it is face-to-face (in essential circumstances only), over the phone, online or behind the scenes," Singleton council general manager Jason Linnane said.

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