We have long established plans and processes in place to respond to pandemics or outbreaks to ensure the continuation of the provision of essential community services during and post this pandemic. These plans are regularly reviewed, updated and enacted through simulation exercises to ensure we are best placed to respond should the need arise.
As this is a changing situation, we are continuously reviewing and updating our plans, as further information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) emerges from lead agencies. Latrobe City Council receives regular updates from the State Government’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regarding public health issues and will respond as required or directed by appropriate health authorities.
As an organisation, we are monitoring the COVID-19 situation daily, indeed hourly, such are the rapid changes. The health and safety of our community and employees remains our priority.
A series of regular Executive Risk Management Committee meetings have been established and this group will continue to meet, placing the needs of our community front and centre of decisions made.
We are conscious of how we prepare our employees and our community should our service delivery model change. Due to the evolving nature of this pandemic, this could change at any time and we will respond quickly as required.
All Council services direct to the public will have appropriate social distancing measures implemented, relevant to the differing services.
We are prioritising the welfare of our employees who may be vulnerable during this time. This means that some members of our teams are currently working remotely. While they may not be carrying out their duties in a Council building, they are still committed as ever to serving our community as best they can.
We are working with our teams to ensure that best practice advice regarding hygiene in public areas and buildings is adhered to and continue to confirm arrangements to increase the presence of hand sanitisers to assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
For further information relating to COVID-19 please visit the DHHS website for more information or should you be unable to find the information you are looking for on the website, please email infectious.diseases@dhhs.vic.gov.au
You can also find information at the Australian Government’s website.