PUBLIC STATEMENT – COVID 19

Port Pirie Regional Council is mindful of community concerns regarding the Coronavirus (COVID 19) and the impact it is having on our local community.

We find ourselves in an unprecedented environment and would like to assure that the wellbeing of the community is our first priority and that we will continue to monitor and adapt to the rapidly developing and changing situation around the Coronavirus (COVID 19).

Because of the rapidly changing situation we are focussing our primary communication through our website www.pirie.sa.gov.au and Facebook page. We will continue to use radio, television and newspapers to communicate information however using our website and Facebook is a quicker way to get information out.

Please share our website and Facebook information with your family and friends.

With the current advice we have available we are not proposing to change our service levels at this time however we are monitoring this on a daily basis and may decide to take action such as closing our library and limiting some Council services if the spread continues and/or as directed by State and Federal Governments.

Council has a Business Continuity Plan which contemplates a pandemic situation and identifies key services required to be provided. This Plan is continually being reviewed as circumstances evolve and advice is received by the lead agencies, being the State and Federal Government.

Due to the declaration of a Public Health Emergency in South Australia and the Federal Government’s direction to cancel non-essential gatherings the following events have been cancelled -

Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery Exhibition, Robyn Stacey: Ray of Light – The exhibition launch scheduled for 21 March 2-4pm. Please note that the exhibition itself will still be open to the public as scheduled. (Cancelled in consultation with Country Arts SA and The Art Gallery of SA)
Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct Community Event scheduled for March 21.
Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) Masters Tour scheduled for 26 and 27 March. (Cancelled by Cricket Australia)

The most up to date and trusted information and alerts regarding the Coronavirus should be sourced directly from the lead agencies dealing with the Coronavirus –

SA Health – www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019 – Local updates and information
Australian Government Department of Health – www.health.gov.au – National updates
Smartraveller – www.smartraveller.gov.au – Latest travel advice
Health Direct – www.healthdirect.gov.au – to check any symptoms
Follow the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network Facebook for local information - https://www.facebook.com/YNLHN/

Mayor Stephens is in regular communication with our local Member of Parliament The Hon Geoff Brock regarding our preparation and plans for the Coronavirus.

If unsure about what to do at any time, call the Coronavirus Health Information Line for general questions on 1800 020 080.

Temporary Closure of Outdoor Play Areas 30 MARCH 2020
Following the Australian Government’s announcement yesterday, Council has temporarily closed all playgrounds and skate parks in our region until further notice.
These are being physically locked where possible and signage installed.
We thank you for your cooperation.

Update on Temporary Suspension of Some Council Services 26 MARCH 2020
Following the Australian Government’s announcement on Tuesday night in response to the public health concerns around COVID-19, the following Port Pirie Regional Council services will be suspended until further notice (effective as of COB yesterday, Wednesday 25 March):
*Port Pirie Library
*Crystal Brook Library
*Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery
*Crystal Brook Swimming Pool
*Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre – consistent with the Federal Government direction around suspension of Local Government non-essential services. Please note, Stateliner Bus Service remains in operation and is still accessible to the public via a separate entrance.
It is also likely that as part of our strategies for continued service delivery, Council staff will be working from different locations in order to comply with social distancing protocols. Further details will be made available as these actions are implemented.
Council will continue to monitor and adapt to this rapidly changing situation and will endeavour to keep you updated.
The safety and wellbeing of the community and our staff are our first priority and we thank you for your support and understanding.

Temporary Suspension of Some Council Services 24 MARCH 2020
Under the direction of the Australian Government in response to the public health concerns around COVID-19, the following Council services will be suspended until further notice:
*Port Pirie Aquatic & Leisure Centre (both indoor and outdoor facilities following confirmation that outdoor pools attached to indoor sporting venues are included in the Australian Government guidelines).
*Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre – Shark Cage Virtual Reality experience.
*Port Pirie Library – All children’s activities (includes Baby Bounce, Lego Club, Sunday Storytime and Gen Z).
*Crystal Brook Community Bus.
As our duty of care to vulnerable people, Council has also suspended the following services until further notice:
*Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre – Weekend and Public Holiday hours suspended.
*Pirie Rail Express Miniature Railway.
*Tech Savvy Seniors (Port Pirie Library).
Based on current Government guidelines, the Crystal Brook Swimming Pool will remain open as per normal operating procedures as it is a separate outdoor facility. Belgravia Leisure has implemented risk mitigation strategies for social distancing and personal hygiene. Please note that the Crystal Brook Pool season is due to conclude on Tuesday 31 March 2020.
We will continue to monitor and adapt to this rapidly changing situation and keep you updated.
The safety and wellbeing of the community is our first priority and we thank you for your support and understanding.

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