Temperature tests provided for holiday makers visiting Colac Otway

Published on 02 July 2020

Colac Otway Shire Council is distributing infrared thermometers to accommodation operators across the shire to provide access to onsite temperature testing for holiday makers.

Colac Otway have received 50 thermometers, with an additional 50 to arrive next week, as a part of the State Government’s efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus through popular holiday locations in the state.

Council’s Health Protection Coordinator Tony Gullone said thermometers were being made available to larger accommodation providers through the shire and those with communal facilities.

“Thermometers are now available to all caravan park operators across the Colac Otway Shire, as well as backpacker accommodation and also venues registered to accommodate 20 guests or more,” Mr Gullone said.

“This means the majority of the thermometers are being distributed to accommodation providers in coastal towns within the region such as Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek and Wye River, which are popular holiday destinations during the school break.

“It’s great to see visitors returning to the Colac Otway region and supporting our businesses through the July school holidays. This initiative will make it standard practice for accommodation provider’s to take a guest’s temperature on check-in and provides some peace of mind for business operators, their staff and the community that guests aren’t presenting with a fever, which is a symptom of the coronavirus.

“We’re expecting the additional 50 thermometers to arrive next week. Council will contact any accommodation providers yet to receive a thermometer and they’ll be able to collect one from Council’s Customer Service Centres in Colac or Apollo Bay.

“As is the advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, if anyone is presenting with symptoms of coronavirus, even mild symptoms, please stay home and get tested. Before you head off on your holiday, we ask people to visit the DHHS website and take the interactive coronavirus self-assessment.

“In addition to distributing the thermometers, Council have been rolling out the installation of 100 hand sanitiser dispensers to public toilet facilities through the shire to help the community and visitors maintain good hand hygiene when out and about.

“These have been a tough few months for everyone, especially business operators in Colac Otway, and we’re pleased to be able to help provide these safety measures in an effort to prevent further spread of the virus and importantly, safely welcome people back to this beautiful part of the world.” 

Pictured on this page is Council officer Yvette distributing a thermometer to Adrian from a local Apollo Bay caravan park.