Colac Otway Shire Council has enacted its Pandemic Response Plan, which is guiding Council's delivery of services to the community while prioritising the community's health during the current COVID-19 situation.
Colac Otway Chief Executive Peter Brown said the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic was rapidly evolving and he was confident that the organisation had the necessary plans in place to respond.
"All decisions are based on the latest advice from the State and Federal Governments," Mr Brown said.
"Reducing the spread of infection, and protecting the health and safety of Councillors, employees and community is our priority.
"Delivery of essential services to the community is critical, although it is likely there will be some services which will become more essential than others as this unprecedented situation unfolds.
"Council's Pandemic Influenza Sub Committee is meeting regularly to evaluate and respond to the latest COVID-19 developments and providing updates to Council's Executive Management Team.
"This morning, the sub-committee was joined via phone link by representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services, which is the pandemic control agency, and Colac Area Health to ensure Council's actions are in-line with the latest information from health authorities.
"As of today, March 17, all Colac Otway Shire facilities including COPACC, Bluewater, Customer Service Centres, Maternal and Child Health Centres and Visitor Information Centres, remain open. This will be reviewed daily on the advice of DHHS.
"However, social distancing is being advised by government authorities and customers who need to contact Council are strongly encouraged to phone or email Council or go online at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au if it is not essential to visit a Customer Service Centre.
"COPACC has cancelled today's Morning Music show because of the older, more vulnerable audience demographic and the large number of bookings which would have forced people to sit closely for more than 90 minutes.
"COPACC was also forced to cancel a children's show this week after schools cancelled excursions.
"We encourage the community to monitor Colac Otway Shire updates via Council's website at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au and Facebook page, and go to the Department of Health and Human Services website at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus for COVID-19 updates."
