30 March 2020
Council Responds to Covid19 Cluster Advice
In the wake of Dr Nicole Spurrier’s press conference late Sunday afternoon (29 March) regarding an identified Covid19 (Coronavirus) cluster in the Barossa region, The Barossa Council are taking swift action to implement the directives from SA Health.
Therefore as of Monday 30 March, the following changes to services and facilities are being implemented:
- Closure of face-to-face services at the Visitor Information Centre – staff will be redirecting their focus to online and telephone services while working on plans to support the local tourism industry throughout the pandemic and for its recovery into the future.
- Limiting face-to-face customer support services at Council’s principal office in Nuriootpa – it is strongly recommended that customers utilise phone, email and our newly launched online services as their method of interaction with Council. This will allow staff to still provide service to our community.
- Warren and South Para Reservoirs are closed to the public.
- All parks, playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms are closed to the public.
- Increased cleaning of public conveniences to maintain stringent hygiene standards.
Council urge all community members to adhere to the latest advice from SA Health including, working from home, where possible, to cease all non-essential travel in the Barossa (traveling to and from work is essential if you cannot work at home), including travelling into and out of the region, noting that Easter holiday travel is deemed non-essential. Essential travel should only occur for the following reasons:
- Medical appointments
- Shopping for essentials (eg: food, medicine)
- Work or study that cannot be conducted remotely
- Exercise (no more than 2 persons)
Additionally, remember to not gather or exercise in groups larger than two publically (excluding family) and to not utilise parks, playgrounds, skate parks, and outdoor gyms at this time.
“We are taking the advice of SA Health very seriously and strongly recommend our community do the same,” said Mayor Bim Lange
“These proactive measures are an important part of controlling the cluster of cases which have been identified within our region. Please help us to continue to provide service by not attending our offices unless it is critical and cannot be conducted by email, phone or online services”
Community are reminded to utilise reliable sources for the most up-to-date advice regarding the rapidly evolving Covid19 situation such as SA Health at healthsa.sa.gov.au or the South Australia Coronavirus Information Line on 1800 253 787.
For further information regarding Council services, facilities and measures during the Covid19 outbreak go to barossa.sa.gov.au or phone 8563 8444.