Stay Safe (21 March 2020)

The spread of the Coronavirus Covid-19 means we are currently living in very unusual times, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable people such as those with low immunity or underlying health issues.

So I wanted to use my column to urge and encourage all of you to please try and keep up-to-date with advice and information from reliable sources – the Federal and State Government health authorities.

These are very useful online sources of information:

There is also a telephone helpline – the National Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080.

The health authorities are very clear that the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is the same way you would protect yourself from catching flu or other respiratory illness:

Expert Advice

Please don’t worry unnecessarily. I have every faith in our GPs, consultants and, above all, in our local hospital’s health professionals and the Emergency Department staff who are fully qualified and trained in these situations and are taking constant advice from NSW Health.

Council as an organisation is also following the advice of the Australian Government, World Health Organisation (WHO) and NSW Health. We’re encouraging members of the community, especially older and vulnerable people, to consider the nature of their enquiries before attending our Customer Service Centre or facilities in person. We would suggest that people call Council on 02 6648 4000 or email [email protected] in the first instance, or use our online services.

The situation with the virus is constantly evolving and there may be impacts on some community services during the course of the pandemic.

Please do all you can to stay healthy and help minimise the spread of Covid-19 by following the expert advice of the health authorities.