Statement from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River regarding COVID-19

In response to the evolving situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Shire of Augusta Margaret River is taking measured precautions that seek to address safety for the community and staff members.

The Shire is closely following advice provided daily by the State Department of Health.

This Wednesday 18 March, a Special Meeting of Council will be held to establish a team to oversee and coordinate how the organisation responds to the situation, ensuring we can respond to the needs of our community and staff.

The team will be constantly monitoring advice and assessing the impact on Shire services.

The best way to stop the virus from spreading is to follow the Department of Health’s guidelines for prevention.

These guidelines, which include frequent hand washing, refraining from touching the mouth and nose, covering the nose and mouth with tissue paper or a flexed elbow (not hands) when coughing or sneezing, disposing of soiled tissues immediately after use and avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms and social distancing including maintaining a distance of at least 1.5 metres from others, can be accessed here https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/coronavirus

The Shire has increased hygiene protocols at all our facilities, including libraries, recreation centres, caravan parks and customer service centres including installation of hand sanitiser and posters and stickers with hand washing instructions as well as additional cleaning services.

The Federal government has suspended all non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people until further notice.

The Shire is considering whether smaller events held in Council venues will continue. This will be assessed on a case by case basis. Ongoing updates will be provided to the community as information comes to hand.

Members of the public are asked to keep a sensible perspective on the situation, show compassion toward one another and support the elderly and those members of our community who are particularly vulnerable.

The situation with the Coronavirus is changing daily and people should stay up-to-date via the State Government’s Healthy WA website https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/coronavirus   The Coronavirus Health Information Line can be contacted on 1800 020 080.