Message from Colac Otway Shire Chief Executive

Published on 02 September 2020

Colac Otway Shire Chief Executive Peter Brown is urging the community to remain vigilant to reduce the spread of COVID19, and reminding those feeling overwhelmed to seek support.

“Our community can be proud of its response to reduce the spread of COVID19 over the past six months, and we need to be prepared that this could be with us for a long time,” Mr Brown said.

“COVID19 is a global pandemic and while we will need to continue to wash our hands, wear masks, minimise movement outside our homes and physical distance, more cases are possible because it is a highly contagious virus.

“I thank our local businesses and industries for their efforts to continue to operate where possible while minimising any risk to their employees and the wider community by taking every precaution they can to reduce the spread.

“I also thank our community for its willingness to go above and beyond restriction levels, staying positive, and encouraging each other to continue doing the right thing.

“Adhering to restrictions, when you can’t travel, can’t visit family or friends, can’t attend a party, wedding, funeral, or visit your dad on Father’s Day, is tough, but we need to comply with restrictions and avoid unnecessary contact.

“We need to help each other but we need to be careful.  

“People who are permitted to still work, should be encouraged to do so, as safely as possible.

“Anyone who needs medical treatment and health services, should be encouraged to seek care, as safely as possible, and people who need to provide care to others, should do so safely.

“If you know anyone at a workplace where there has been a positive case, give them a call and check how they are, and let’s make sure anyone isolating or quarantining accesses the support that is available.

Advice on isolating and other important information, including government payments while you are waiting for test results or isolating, support services, and translated information is available online at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or follow the links from https://www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/Community-services/Coronavirus-Information-Resources

Residents without access to food and essential supplies while isolating or quarantining can contact Colac Otway Shire’s COVID19 Support Hotline on 5232 9440.