Latrobe City residents and visitors are being urged to be mindful of the risk of COVID-19 transmission while enjoying local sites, attractions and events this summer.
The community is being reminded the contagious virus may still be in the community, particularly given the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in New South Wales.
With visitors from outside of Latrobe City visiting during summer, and local residents likely to interact with people from Melbourne and beyond, the risk of community transmission remains.
“While we have heard COVIDSafe messages time and time again, we can’t become complacent and undo all that has been achieved by our community,” Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said.
“People have sacrificed so much as a result of these lockdowns, which has impacted their businesses, jobs, and valuable time with family and friends. We do not want to see that repeated.”
When out and about in Latrobe, the community is urged to maintain physical distancing of 1.5m at all times when interacting with people from outside of their household. If this is not possible outdoors, the wearing of masks is strongly recommended.
Masks are strongly recommended indoors when you are interacting with people from outside of your household and cannot keep 1.5m away.
Avoid touching surfaces in public that others may touch, such as hand rails.
“We need to ensure that we keep up the new practices that now come as second nature to us. Ensure proper hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and warm water frequently, and use hand sanitiser to improve the likelihood of removing the virus from your hands, should it be there,” Cr Gibson said.
“Remember to sneeze or cough into a tissue or your elbow, and if you are unwell with coughing, a sore throat, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19, please be tested and stay at home until you receive your result.”
If you are feeling unwell, get tested. The Latrobe Valley Respiratory Clinic is situated at 185-189 Princes Drive, Morwell (The Health Care Centre) and is open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm and Saturday, 9am-2pm.
People seeking a test must make an appointment by calling 5191 9321 or online at thcc.com.au
Most local clinics are open Monday to Friday only. More information can be found on the DHHS website.
Further helpful hints will be posted on Council’s Facebook page over summer.