Situation changing ‘dramatically’

Harvey and Waroona shire councils are taking steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as Australia moves into a new phase to stop the spread of the pandemic.

On Friday the Federal Government issued advice that all non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people should be avoided.

Anyone arriving in Australia from overseas will be required to self-isolate for 14 days and anyone planning to travel overseas is advised to reconsider their plans.

The State Government reinforced this advice on Friday afternoon as health authorities confirmed five new cases of COVID-19 in WA.

Waroona shire chief executive officer Dean Unsworth said shire staff were supporting State and Federal government agencies to manage the spread of the virus.

“On a local level, the shire has prepared a situation-specific operational plan to support its Business Continuity and Crisis Management plans,” he said.

“Regular meetings and communications are ensuring local government officers are prepared to support community members and businesses through this uncertain time.”

Mr Unsworth confirmed another meeting would be held in the coming days to finalise these plans and any relevant strategies.

Harvey shire president Paul Gillett said local governments were taking updated advice from the State and Federal governments on a regular basis to act in the best interest of residents.

“The situation has changed dramatically in the past few days,” Mr Gillett said.

“The shire’s recovery plan has been in place and we will update this as the situation evolves.

“As the last tier of government we take the advice we receive at a State and Federal level and put our relevant local actions into place.”

Mr Gillett said he was saddened to hear events like the Harvey Harvest Festival would not be going ahead, but believed governments were following the best medical advice possible.