Coronavirus Important Community Notice
Information about COVID-19
(Corona Virus)
Friday 20th March 2020
Dear Community Member,
I write to provide some important information in response to the recent declaration of COVD-19 (Novel Coronavirus) as a pandemic, and the Premier’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency.
While reported numbers are still relatively low in South Australia (50 cases at the time of preparing this notice), it is very important that we as a community listen to specialist advice, exercise our preparedness and ensure every precaution is taken to minimise the impact and spread of the virus.
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms range from a mild cough, fever, sore throat and shortness of breath. Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly. Current estimate of the incubation period are between 2 and 14 days. You can find more information here www.health.gov.au.
What to do if you think you may have COVID-19:
If you have travelled overseas within the past 14 days, or have been in contact with someone who has and are concerned that you may be showing symptoms including fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath it is recommended you:
- Limit your exposure to other people by self-isolating at home.
- Call your GP and let them know you think you may have COVID-19. The Goyder’s Line Medical Centre has further information on how to gain assistance on their website www.goyderslinemedical.com.au or by phoning 08 8677 5500.
Who is most at risk of serious illness?
Based on evidence with similar viruses, the people at most risk of serious infection are:
- People with compromised immune systems, such as people with cancer
- Elderly people
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Very young children and babies, and
- People with diagnosed chronic medical conditions.
How can we help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
- Everyone should practise good hygiene to protect against infections. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Use a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid close contact with others, such as touching including handshakes.
- Avoid unnecessary travel and non-essential events.
Where do I find more information?
There is a lot of information circulating regarding Coronavirus. It is easy to become lost in some of the misinformation and unnecessary panic spread by social media. Please refer only to information from a reputable source such as the Department of Health:
- Department of Health: www.health.gov.au
- 24/7 Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080
Preparing your farm or business
As a business in our area, it may be beneficial to think about how you may prepare for COVID-19. It is important to consider how your business may be impacted if you or your staff get sick. Are there precautions you can take to minimise your risk? Have you contacted your suppliers recently to see if there may be any issues with supply of good and services?
How to contact Council?
At this stage Council is continuing to monitor the direction and guidance of government and health officials and will respond as required. In the meantime, our staff are ensuring the necessary planning is undertaken so we can continue to deliver those services essential to our community.
As a small team, it is possible we may be required to make changes in our operations to ensure that we can continue to provide services and support to our community over the coming months as the pandemic’s impact are felt. These measures may include restricting our customer service to telephone, email and website or by arrangement should a face-to-face service be required. Should there be any change in our customer service delivery, formal notification will be provided.
As your local Council, we feel it is our duty of care to inform and support you as best we can in these circumstances. This notice is not intended to make anyone feel uneasy or to cause panic. Rather, it is hoped it will help educate our community members and assist us in safely traversing the road ahead, together.
It is understandable that for some people, the information circulating about Coronavirus may be overwhelming and worrying. If this is the case, please avoid reading or listening to the type of misinformation spread by social-media and rely on your reputable authorities and agencies.
Ultimately, please remember that the safety and wellbeing of our community at is front and centre for Council. We are working collaboratively with State and Federal Governments in our response, and will do our best to share new information as it comes to hand.
More information
For the latest advice, information and resources on the virus visit www.health.gov.au or call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Please do your best to take care of yourselves and one another.
Yours sincerely,
Kathie Bowman
Mayor