Working together to stop the spread of Coronavirus

Published on 18 March 2020

Gannawarra Shire Council is playing a key role in preventing the risks associated with the spread of Coronavirus.

With the number of cases detected increasing daily across Australia, Council has put in place additional measures to minimise the risk for those most vulnerable.

“Council will continue to assess the situation, with planning and preparation works continuing,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Following on from the State Government’s declaration of a State of Emergency earlier this week, Council has developed a criteria to determine what programs and events will continue at this time.”

The criteria, which matches guidelines outlined by the State and Federal governments, will involve the cancellation or postponement of any events or services until further notice that:

• May attract an attendance of more than 100 people if held indoors, or more than 500 people if held outdoors;
• May attract attendees who are at higher risk for serious illness from Coronavirus. This includes people over the age of 65 and those with respiratory or chronic illness;
• Cannot accommodate social distancing of attendees; and
• If funding bodies or other authorities have requested the event to not proceed.

As a result, the following Council-supported events will be cancelled or postponed:

• Gannawarra Library Service-run programs, including Rhyme Time, Story Time and Book Chat, will be postponed for the time being;
• Social Meal sessions throughout the Gannawarra will be postponed until a later date;
• All Gannawarra – Active at Any Age! group activity programs have been postponed;
• The Gannawarra Disability and Carers Expo, scheduled for Friday, 27 March, has been cancelled;
• I See You Like This, scheduled to occur on Wednesday, 1 April, will be postponed until a later date; and
• Rhythm and Voice, scheduled to occur on Friday, 1 May, has been cancelled.

“The Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre will also be closed on weekends until further notice,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“It is important that if you display symptoms of Coronavirus or are self-isolating, please do not attend any Council-supported events or programs.

“Council will review arrangements as circumstances change, and thanks residents for their understanding during these challenging times.”

For more information regarding Coronavirus and Council’s efforts, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Residents who are concerned regarding Coronavirus are encouraged to phone the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus