Tuesday 16 June - 10.00 AM
Disclaimer - The State Government has declared a Public Health Emergency, Human Biosecurity Emergency and a State of Emergency for Western Australia.
This information is considered valid as at the date of publication (shown above). Updates will be provided only as, and when, relevant information becomes available.
COVID-19 | Current Update
www.wa.gov.au
As the situation with COVID-19 continues to unfold, the Shire of Exmouth first priority will remain the health and safety of our community, customers and staff. We are endeavouring to keep our facilities open. Unfortunately, this has not been entirely possible with a number of facilities being closed. Closed facilities can still be contacted by phone and email if necessary.
Update: The Shire of Exmouth's customer services team will recommence limited face-to-face operations at the administration office in the Ningaloo Centre from Monday 11th May. To ensure the health and safety of the community and Shire staff, the number of customer service desks and customers permitted in the office at one time will be reduced, and social distancing principles will be applied.
Eftpos/Card is the preferred method of payment across all facilities.
How the Shire of Exmouth is responding
As we are sure you can appreciate, Council will be reviewing this position regularly and will advise the community if this position changes. We have put a range of measures in place to manage potential risks in accordance with advice provided by the State and Federal Governments.
- We’re monitoring developments relating to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) daily and assessing any potential impact on Shire services and events.
- We have mobilised a COVID-19 response team, and we are actively following the advice received from medical and Government authorities to ensure we are equipped with the latest information and are providing trusted information on our website and Social Media Channels.
- We have activated local emergency management arrangements and business continuity plans.
- We are planning to maintain essential services to residents and businesses during this period and will take advice on all public health matters from the state and federal health departments.
- We are committed to keeping you informed and to operate our services for as long as possible whilst also providing regular updates.
Australian Government Information
WA Department of Health
The leading authority in this emergency is WA Department of Health who’ve set up COVID Clinics throughout the state.
You can get the latest advice by:
Stay up to date
Australians will now be able to access up-to-date official information through a new federal government app and a designated Whatsapp channel
You can get the latest advice by:
Public Gatherings and Travel
Public Gatherings | Events
Under the Public Health Act and Emergency Management Act, penalties will include $1,000 fines for individuals and $5,000 fines for businesses who disobey the rules.
Essential activities include:
- essential workplaces, where you cannot work from home - work from home where it works for you and your employer
- health care settings
- pharmacies
- food shopping
- schools and universities, where you cannot study from home
- public transport and airports
Essential gatherings must apply social distancing and good hygiene practices, including:
- being able to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres between people
- providing hand hygiene products and suitable rubbish bins, with frequent cleaning and waste disposal
Abide by the regional travel regulations and register if you are eligible with responsible authorities for an exemption.
WA border controls
The WA Government will implement new restrictions and arrival requirements to travel to Western Australia from other Australian States and Territories — by road, rail, air and sea — in response to COVID-19:
Exemptions
- Unless exempted, arrivals from interstate will be ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Exemptions will apply to essential services and essential workers, including health and emergency services, defence and policing, mining industry workforces, flight crews and freight of essential goods, via ports and trucks – with strict guidelines in place to monitor and manage this.
- There will also be exemptions granted on compassionate grounds and where people live near border communities.
- Arrivals will have to show they meet the essential arrival criteria to be granted an exemption.
- Enforcement of the border restrictions will be rolled out with checkpoint stops.
This has been enacted through a formal declaration under the Emergency Management Act. Effective from 1.30pm (AWST) Tuesday, March 24 2020.
Restrictions to access the Kimberley and remote Aboriginal communities
Self-Isolation Test and Close Contact Directions
Self-Isolation Following Interstate Travel Directions
Self-Isolation Following Overseas Travel Directions
Need Help?
WA COVID-19 Hotline
An enquiries line to keep the community informed about COVID-19 coronavirus has been launched. By dialling 13COVID (132 68 43), Western Australians will have access to the latest information regarding the impact of the virus in WA.
As well as hearing important COVID-19 prevention tips, callers are given a range of options directing them to the relevant sources of information for their needs.
In terms of health, this includes information for people experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, those in self-isolation, or calling as health practitioners.
Options also include information on impacts for families, businesses, schools and health care providers, and up-to-date advice on restrictions to travel and public gatherings.
The hotline will operate seven days a week, from 7 am to 10 pm.
You can also visit 👉🏻 https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus for information.
Questions regarding self-isolation and quarantine?
If you have any queries or concerns related to health or isolation requirements you need to contact the Coronavirus Health Information hotline 1800 020 080.
Department of Communities - Disaster and Emergency Support Services
Under the Western Australian emergency management arrangements, the Department of Communities is responsible for coordinating the provision of welfare support services to people affected by an emergency or disaster.
Currently, the Department is responsible for the welfare support of those people who have been instructed by the Health Department to quarantine/self-isolate for 14 days only. Communities Emergency Services Unit have been authorised to provide assistance to those members of the community who the Health Department have instructed to quarantine/self-isolate and who are experiencing genuine hardship as a result of the COVID 19 event.
If you have are currently affected and require assistance, please ring the Disaster Relief Hotline: 1800 032 965 or email emergencyservices@cpfs.wa.gov.au.
Types of emergency services coordinated by the Department are:
- Emergency Catering:
Provision of meals for those rendered homeless, evacuees and welfare workers in welfare evacuation centres or assistance to help people purchase food.
- Emergency Accommodation: ergency shelter (eg. evacuation centre) to medium term overnight accommodation.
- Emergency Clothing and Personal Requisites:
For example, toiletries and pharmaceuticals.
- Personal Support Services:
Including practical assistance, emotional support, information, referral, advocacy, counselling, childcare and psychological services.
- Financial Assistance:
May be available to those affected by emergencies who are assessed as eligible and in need.
Financial Support for Individuals
Centrelink have provided information and services to help you if you’re affected by (COVID-19).
As a ratepayer who is presently suffering financial hardship and wish to receive consideration in this regard, you can submit a Financial Hardship Application to the Shire of Exmouth. If a complete application is submitted, no interest will be charged until after Council determined the eligibility of a financial hardship support.
Financial Counselling Service 1800 007 007
Financial Support for Small Business Owners
Financial Counselling Service 1800 007 007
The latest information and advice for business and industry regarding COVID-19 coronavirus by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet can be found here.
The Government of Western Australia Small Business Development Corporation offers further information regarding the stimulus/relief package here.
As a ratepayer who is presently suffering financial hardship and wish to receive consideration in this regard, you can submit a Financial Hardship Application to the Shire of Exmouth. If a complete application is submitted, no interest will be charged until after Council determined the eligibility of a financial hardship support.
Mental Health Support
To find self-help or peer support groups, visit the My Services online directory. You can search by your own location, or search for services in a major town or city.
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