Council proactive and precautionary in the wake of COVID-19

Council proactive and precautionary in the wake of COVID-19

Published on 17 March 2020

Mildura Rural City Council is taking a proactive and precautionary approach in its planning and response to the worldwide outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The situation is changing rapidly and Council CEO Sarah Philpott said staff were continuing to monitor it closely.

“The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services is the lead agency in the response to COVID-19 and we are taking direction and advice from them,” Ms Philpott said.

Council also plays an important role in responding to the situation by way of educating the community and supporting state and national efforts to limit the spread.

“The health and safety of our staff and the wider community is our number one priority.”

From an organisational perspective, Mildura Rural City Council is reviewing and practising its Business Continuity Plans to ensure appropriate measures are in place.

Council has taken steps as a precautionary measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community, protect our staff and visitors, and play our role in the national response to limiting transmissions.

We are reviewing non-essential services, programs, events and activities. People should refer to the Council website mildura.vic.gov.au and Facebook page for regular updates and advice on changes to services and events. Current changes include:

Cancelling all public programs and events at our library branches until further notice Cancelling Mildura Arts Centre’s Twilight event scheduled for Friday 20 March Postponing two Playgroup Week events in Langtree Mall, Mildura and Barclay Square, Red Cliffs scheduled for 23 and 24 March Cancelling of our Youth Services April School Holiday Program Cancelling of Circus Oz at the Mildura Arts Centre Cancelling of Splash Test Dummies at Mildura Arts Centre Mildura Arts Centre has cancelled or postponed all events, public programs and performances up until Friday 17 April 2020.

“We are reviewing public-facing roles and how our staff interact with a view to supporting health authorities as they seek to limit the spread of the virus,” Ms Philpott said.

Ms Philpott reiterated the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as the lead government agency and  source for information about COVID-19 and encouraged the community to refer to their website dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus regularly for updates.

DHHS advises that practising good hand hygiene and sneeze/cough etiquette is the best defence against most viruses. You should:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet Cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser If you’re unwell, stay home from work and avoid contact with others (social distancing).

“We know the situation is changing rapidly and as an organisation and a community we should prepare and respond responsibly.”

ENDS