The Mount Alexander Shire Council has activated its regional pandemic plan in response to coronavirus.
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Council chief executive Darren Fuzzard said council has an important role to play in reducing the impacts of COVID-19 would continue to provide council services
"Council is working to support and continue the delivery of key services to our community," he said.
"Our focus for the next few months is doing what we can to reduce the impacts of COVID-19.
"We have activated our pandemic and business continuity plans to ensure we continue to deliver essential services and support the community, while placing priority on the health and wellbeing of our community, staff and volunteers."
Some council programs, services and facilities are impacted but most are running with preventative health and social distancing measures in place.
Local residents and ratepayers can still access services but residents will see changes to aged care, and maternal and child health services.
In an effort to protect vulnerable members of the Mount Alexander community, face-to-face social support programs, home exercise programs, and respite services will stop for one month from this week.
There will be phone support for some programs.
Maternal and child health services, including National Immunisation Program immunisations for children up to six years, will continue by appointment. Group programs including New Parents Groups and Sleep and Settling are on hold.
"We are continually monitoring the situation based on advice from the state and federal health authorities," said Mr Fuzzard.
"At the moment our Customer Service Centre and Visitor Information Centres remain open but please stay away if you feel unwell, and use our phone and online service request system via our website where possible."
Earlier this week, the Castlemaine Library and adjacent Phee Broadway Theatre foyer were closed after Goldfields Library Corporation decided to close libraries in the region.
Council expects to see more local and community events cancelled as a result of new limits on non-essential gatherings.
"We recognise there is a lot of worry at this time and that we all need to work together to support each other as we prepare for further disruption over the coming weeks and months," Mr Fuzzard said.
"Please change your daily habits to increase hand hygiene, cover your mouth or nose if you sneeze or cough, and seek medical advice if you show any signs and symptoms.
"Make a plan on what you and your family would need to do if you had to stay home for a few weeks, and don't forget to check in on your friend or neighbours that might need help."
For more details on the Mount Alexander Shire's response and services visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Information on COVID-19 at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
If you think you may have coronavirus, phone the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
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