Victorian State of Emergency likely to activate Frankston City Council Pandemic Plan

To combat Coronavirus, Premier Daniel Andrews has declared that Victoria will enter a State of Emergency at midday today (16 March).

This State of Emergency will last four weeks and provide the Chief Health Office powers to enforce 14-day isolation requirements for all travellers entering the country and cancel mass gatherings of more than 500 people.

Like all Victorian councils, Frankston City Council has a Pandemic Plan in place and it is likely the State of Emergency will activate this plan.

Frankston City Council Mayor, Sandra Mayer, said Council had recently conducted an extensive review of this plan, the overarching Municipal Emergency Management Plan and its Business Continuity Plan.

“Following these reviews, we are confident we are well-prepared for a pandemic,” Cr Mayer said.

“The implementation of the Pandemic Plan will be led by the State Government which will support us in ensuring critical services, such as kerbside waste collection, continue to operate.”

“In the meantime, we have taken a number of precautionary measures to protect officers and the community and will continue to act on the advice and recommendations of the Department of Health and Human Services.”

The Pandemic Plan includes contingency measures in case officers are unable to work because they are unwell, in precautionary isolation or required to work from home. Additionally, the work spaces of staff members with critical responsibilities will be separated.

The Mayor added, “In order to protect our community, we are investigating the need to close Ordinary Council Meetings, and have cancelled upcoming events including the Block Party (launch event for the Big Picture Festival), the Vinyl Record Market (21 March) and Party in the Park (7 April)."

To protect the wellbeing and safety of patrons, staff, vendors and the community, organisers have cancelled the 2020 Waves and Wheels Film Festival, which was planned for March 27-29 on Frankston Beach.

Steps have been taken to ensure Meals on Wheels operates as usual, however there are some changes to Maternal and Child Health non-critical services.

The Mayor said the health of the Frankston City community was Council’s priority.

“As I said, we will continue to update residents as this situation develops and further information comes to hand.”

The Department of Health and Human Services has released the following good hygiene advice to limit the spread of Coronavirus:

-          Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

-          Throw your tissue in to a plastic-lined rubbish bin after use.

-          If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow. Do not use your hands.

-          Wash your hands regularly with soap and water including after you cough or sneeze, before preparing or eating food and after going to the toilet.

-          Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.

If you suspect you may have the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), please call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398.