Redland City Council has stepped up plans to reduce the impact of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, Mayor Karen Williams, moved the group to 'lean forward' status to ensure heightened vigilance and preparedness in the wake of COVID-19.
Cr Williams and deputy char of the LDMG Cr Wendy Boglary have been working with council's CEO and the group to ensure continuation of essential services should COVID-19 impact heavily on the Redlands Coast.
"The LDMG is receiving regular briefs from federal and state health authorities to assist with planning; and council's business continuation and pandemic plans have been activated," said Cr Williams.
This means residents will start to see advisory posters and health messaging consistent with that of the Australian and Queensland governments, which are leading the health communications on COVID-19.
"Our priority at council is the health and safety of our community and employees; and other necessary actions may be taken as the situation evolves and more information comes to hand," she said.
- Redland Performing Arts Centre cancels shows in wake of coronavirus
- Electoral Commission of Queensland takes extra measures at Redlands voting stations
Cr Williams stressed the need for people to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by following the recommendations of health authorities:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Stay at home if you are unwell
- Practice social distance, keeping 1.5 metres away from others
- Cover your mouth or nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing
- Use disposable tissues and, immediately after use, dispose of them in an appropriate waste bin, ideally with a lid
- Clean surfaces regularly with disinfectant
- Avoid contact with anyone showing adverse respiratory symptoms
- Adhere to the Australian Government's 14-day self-isolation requirement if returning from overseas
"Importantly, we all have a role to play in protecting the most vulnerable people in our community while averting overload on our health system. It's important that we look out for our older residents and others with underlying health issues, listen to reliable advice from health authorities and take responsible action," she said.
Council is also aware of the vulnerabilities of island communities and Cr Williams said she had written to both the state and federal health ministers to highlight these vulnerabilities.
"We have been liaising with local aged care facilities to advise that their staff should be adequately trained and understand the practises that need to be put in place for the management of disease outbreaks," Cr Williams said.
News broke last night that all performances and shows at Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) have been cancelled until the end of April
Council is working with local event organisers to assist them in preparing for changes in line with government's direction to cancel static, non-essential mass gatherings of more than 500 people.
Numerous events in the Redlands have been canceled including the annual Easter Festival and Straddie Sharks Easter Carnival in April.
Redland City Council CEO Andrew Chesterman said it was important for the community to not panic but be prepared.
He said operationally council was focused on keeping employees and the community safe, ensuring critical services continue and communicating reliable information to employees and the Redlands community.
