March 30, 2020

Gunnedah Shire residents have been urged to follow increased Australian Government measures to halt the spread of Coronavirus.

As uncertain times continue, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said now was the time people could help make a difference to the trajectory of the virus.

“The message is clear – if you can stay home, stay home,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This is a really tough time for our people and our businesses. I know residents want to support our local retailers and service providers – they are the people next door or even our own families – but the shape of that support will have to now take a different form.

“The Australian Government has set strict limits on the number of people in gatherings – only two unless there are special circumstances. Travel should be restricted to essential tasks, and those who are over 70, over 60 if they have existing health conditions, or over 50 for Indigenous people with health conditions should be self-isolating where possible.

“It would be easy for us to feel that the risk is not among us, but, however lucky we seem to have been to date, that could change at any time.

“I urge you to stay at home if you can to look after yourselves and the rest of our community. On behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council, I would also like to thank those who have no option but to still be at work – emergency service workers, health care staff, supermarket and pharmacy staff – there are many people who have to head off every day to work.

“We have taken unprecedented steps at Council to enable a large percentage of our staff to work from home while we continue to provide the services Gunnedah Shire needs.

“Our priority is always the health and safety of our Shire residents and our staff, as well as the provision of services.”

Gunnedah Shire Council remains in the orange stage of its yellow-orange-red Coronavirus Response Strategy, finding ways to continue business while following all Coronavirus precautionary measures.

All face-to-face services have ceased, but Council’s Customer Service staff, along with all staff, are still at the end of the phone, or online, to help with enquiries.

Further information:

Police are the responsible body for the enforcement of public health orders. If community members have concerns about breaches to COVID-19 health orders, they are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone seeking the latest information on COVID-19 should visit or call:

• NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au  
• Australian Government Department of Health – www.health.gov.au
• Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080 
• The Australian Government’s ‘Coronavirus Australia’ app is now available for download, providing health updates and a virtual symptom checker. 
• Australians can also access updates via whatsapp by downloading the WhatsApp application, then visiting www.aus.gov.au/whatsapp 

The Gunnedah Community Roundtable has created a Facebook page to help connect the community to information regarding service closures, community groups and other helpful resources. You can follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Gunnedahcommunityroundtablemeeting

Following the closure of the Gunnedah Shire Council administration building in Elgin Street to face to face visitors, the customer service team remains available for enquiries through phone: (02) 6740 2100, email: council@infogunnedah.com.au or by visiting www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.