Mayoral Message: Stay strong, safe and respect each other

6 April, 2020

Most of you would now be aware that a case of Coronavirus has been confirmed within Gunnedah Shire.

I know we had all hoped we would escape this threat without a single case, and that this news is hard to hear. We all have loved ones and friends we are anxious to keep safe. We are also, of course, concerned for the health of the person who has contracted the virus.

What we need to remember is that we have already implemented the measures needed to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Many people are self-isolating, many are working from home, and everyone MUST be social distancing.

Gunnedah Shire Council and many other organisations have moved their business from face-to-face services to over the phone, online and email. And Council has already put in place the second stage of our Coronavirus Response Strategy to help keep our community safe and healthy.

The challenge for all of us now is to follow the regulations and guidelines to the absolute letter.

There are more than one million cases worldwide and, to date, only one confirmed in Gunnedah. We need to do our best to keep it that way and not become complacent as we move through the weeks and months ahead.

Under Federal Government regulations, people should not be leaving their homes unless they have a reasonable excuse involving:

• Obtaining food or other goods and services • travelling for the purposes of work or education if the person cannot do it at home • exercise • medical or caring reasons.

In addition, the Order directs that a person must not participate in a gathering in a public place of more than two people. Exceptions include gatherings of members of the same household, and gatherings essential for work or education.

There are very strict penalties for people anywhere who do not comply.

I would like to particularly congratulate the compliance of those who are required to attend the saleyards. Our saleyards are an important part of our economy. To allow them to keep running, we ask that you only attend the sale if absolutely essential and if you do, please strictly observe social distancing.

Our playground equipment around the Shire remains closed, and we thank people for helping to keep our community safe by abiding by these precautions.

Also, I would like to again thank those who are continuing essential services and who are working in the vital areas of health and emergency services.

Gunnedah is a strong community. We can get through this, and we are all working to make sure we get through it in the best way possible. Take care of each other and keep doing the right thing. Stay strong, safe and respect each other.

Further information:

Police are the responsible body for the enforcement of public health orders. If community members have concerns about breaches to COVID-19 health orders, they are encouraged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. • Anyone seeking the latest information on COVID-19 should visit or call: o NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au o Australian Government Department of Health – https://www.health.gov.au/ o Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080 • The Australian Government’s ‘Coronavirus Australia’ app is now available for download, providing health updates and a virtual symptom checker. • Australians can also access updates via whatsapp by downloading the WhatsApp application, then visiting www.aus.gov.au/whatsapp • Following the closure of the Gunnedah Shire Council administration building in Elgin Street to face to face visitors, the customer service team remains available for enquiries through phone: (02) 6740 2100, email: [email protected] or by visiting www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100