COVID-19 update 31 March 2020 - Ararat Rural City Council COVID-19 service arrangements – playground…

The Ararat Skate Park and 29 playgrounds around the municipality are closed to the public and rural transfer stations will now operate under modified hours in the latest COVID-19 service changes at Ararat Rural City Council.

Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said playgrounds and skate parks must be closed under a Federal Government directive announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday night.

Dr Harrison urged all residents to abide by the State Government’s stage 3 restrictions that came into effect at midnight Monday 30th March 2020 and included no gatherings of more than two people who are not family members.

He said that if breached, these restrictions could see people fined more than $1600 on the spot and businesses more than $9000.

In an announcement on Monday morning, the Premier Daniel Andrews told Victorians there are only four reasons people should leave their home – food and supplies, medical care, exercise, and work or education, complying with social distancing rules at all times.

“Council is urging residents, young and old, to take these restrictions seriously and stay home unless you absolutely have to go out,” Dr Harrison said.

“These decisions have not been made lightly and Ararat Rural City Council supports the measures put in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please, I urge residents to listen to the authorities and help protect the health of themselves, their loved ones and the community as a whole by staying home.”

Dr Harrison reminded residents of Council’s COVID-19 service arrangements, which included some service closures and modifications to others, but he stressed Council staff are still working and are here for the community.

Residents can call 5355 0200 or email [email protected] to speak to a staff member. Full details of all service arrangements are on the Ararat Rural City Council’s website – www.ararat.vic.gov.au – click on the link on the home page.

Council continues to work with State and Federal Government agencies, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and the East Grampians Health Service to modify its response to the situation.

"The State and Federal Governments have instigated a very well-coordinated public health response to COVID-19. I encourage the community to keep informed about the virus through official government channels, which are the most accurate source of information."

For full details on all Council's service arrangements during COVID-19 restrictions, click here.