WWSC takes measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus

Published on 18 March 2020

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WEST Wimmera Shire residents are urged to be prepared, but not to panic, regarding the spread of COVID-19 throughout Australia.

With the number of confirmed cases increasing across Australia, all levels of government are ensuring that residents are kept informed and supported.

West Wimmera Shire Council is taking measures to protect against the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

Council activated its pandemic plan on Tuesday, which is current at low clinical severity level.

West Wimmera Shire chief executive David Leahy said restrictions would be in place for staff attending any training or large meetings, which involve travelling out of the shire.

Work place social distancing measures will also be introduced. However, the aim is to keep disruption to a minimum while following the advice of the Chief Health Officer.

Kaniva Library will be closed until further notice.

Any staff displaying cold or flu like symptoms will be sent home and asked to isolate for a 14 days. Also staff that are deemed to be more at risk, such as those with chronic illness or low immunity to infections, should take time off work or consider isolating to reduce the chances of infection. The same recommendations are being applied to everyone in the community.

Council will also explore ways to support quarantined and isolated clients at home.

Mr Leahy encouraged all staff to stick to good hand washing and hygiene practices.

He said staff were working hard to ensure everyone in the community had the most up to the date information available.

“As information comes to hand, we will also provide regular bulletins to staff and councillors,” he said.

“While Council meetings cannot be conducted via video or telephone links, Assemblies of Councillors (forums) can be conducted via these methods.

“Please look out for each other over the coming weeks and months and hopefully by taking a measured and responsible approach to managing the spread, we can all get through the worst of it unscathed.

“It is also important to remember that everyone will have different anxiety levels regarding the current pandemic.”

Mr Leahy said it was important for all staff and community members to remain on alert and prepared, but don’t panic.

“Make a plan on how you and your family, including pets, will manage if you needed to stay home for two or three weeks,” he said.

“Think about elderly friends, neighbours and people with a disability in your community and how you would support each other too.”

Residents can also reduce the risk of Coronavirus by using good hygiene measures. This includes:

  • Washing hands often with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds;
  • Trying not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth;
  • Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow;
  • If you feel sick, isolate yourself at home;
  • Phone your GP first if you need medical attention;
  • Continue healthy habits, such as exercising, drinking water and getting plenty of sleep;
  • Not wearing a face mask if you are well;
  • Getting the flu shot, which is likely to be available from April

Residents who are concerned regarding the spread of COVID-19 can phone the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus