Local support and staying COVIDSafe during restrictions

Published on 03 June 2021

Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccination in NGS (3).png

Northern Grampians Shire Council staff have been in discussion with health agencies in the region this week to discuss cohesive and locally relevant messaging for Northern Grampians Shire. Council, East Wimmera Health Service, Stawell Regional Health, Grampians Community Health, Budja Budja Cooperative Medical Centre and East Grampians Health Service (Ararat) are distributing uniform vaccination and Covid testing information as flyers and social media posts for shire residents. 

The recent Coronavirus outbreak and subsequent Circuit Breaker Lockdown restrictions are highlighting strong demand for COVID-19 vaccination program information and a need to readvertise Coronavirus testing locations. 

“When it comes to emergency management, it is really critical to have one voice and one message to avoid confusing our community,” Northern Grampians Shire Mayor, Cr Murray Emerson said. 

“It was fantastic to hear from Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino this morning that we broke two records for Coronavirus health management yesterday; over 57,000 Victorians were Covid tested and another 23,000 Victorians were Covid vaccinated. I know that some of that figure would include our residents and I congratulate you for your efforts to keep our state and shire safe. 

“We hope the information our shire agencies have compiled on where to go locally for vaccinations and testing in our shire is helpful, bearing in mind that it will be subject to change in line with State and Federal Government directives and changes in supply and demand for these services. 

“The primary source for information in Victoria is obviously the Coronavirus hotline and there is now a Victorian Vaccination Hotline to handle the peak in vaccination demand too.  

“At the local level, our community is being supported by health agencies online and via telephone and we encourage you to regularly visit our website and our Facebook page for this information.” 

Based on the latest health advice, the State Government confirmed today that the easing of restrictions outlined yesterday for Country Victoria will go ahead tonight from 11.59pm. This information is available at www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-acting-premier-2 

Cr Emerson encouraged the community to remain informed and continue to abide by the restrictions including continuing to pay attention to hand hygiene, physical distancing, visitor and patron limits at home and at indoor venues and working and studying from home where possible.  

“While we might feel relieved to hear the announcement of an easing of restrictions for us in country Victoria, we need to realise that our State health organisations are managing a rapidly transmitted strain of Coronavirus. Even if we stringently observe their recommendations, there is still the potential for us to be locked down to the same conditions that our Melbourne counterparts will face come Thursday night. 

“It is not easy keeping up to speed with restriction changes during a lockdown but I encourage you to reach out to us via telephone or online for support if you need it. We are all trying to get out of this lockdown as quickly as possible by following the State recommendations regarding vaccination, testing and being vigilant with our hygiene and contact measures.” 

Local information is available at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au, on the shire social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn) or by calling 03 5358 8700. The latest advice from the State Government is available at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au and should be the primary source for information. 

 

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