The Shire of Wongan-Ballidu is monitoring regular information received from State and Federal Government and is following directives from these departments to ensure your safety and well-being. Shire management are responding to the advice from State and Federal Government authorities and adjusting its services accordingly to help prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus. Current measures implemented by the Shire to limit the spread of the virus include:
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AND QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE REGION?
Information is updated via the State Government website. Ensure you check for regular updates if you are planning to travel as current restrictions are subject to change.
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS ON PUBLIC GATHERINGS?
To find out what you can and cannot do, visit the State Government Website.
ARE THE SHIRE OFFICES OPEN?
Both the Community Resource Centre and the Shire administration building are open between 9am and 4:30pm.
Residents are requested to follow strict social distancing and hygiene protocols when visiting our facilities. Contact the Shire on 9671 2500 or the CRC on 9671 2550 for further assistance.
HAVE YOUR FACILITIES REOPENED?
All facilities are open including the Wongan Hills Memorial Swimming Pool. All our facilities support the SafeWA app with a QR code available to scan for safe, easy and contactless registration for the purpose of contact tracing.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AND OTHERS?
The Department of Health advises the most effective way to mitigate the risk of contracting Coronavirus is to practice good hygiene and social distancing. Click here to view the Department of Health website for reliable information and advice.
- Stay home if you are experiencing a fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath.
- Wherever practicable, stay at home and limit your excursions to essential shopping and medical visits. If your employer can to offer you flexible working arrangements, work from home.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a flexed elbow.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Use and immediately bin tissues and close the lid on the bin.
- Maintain a distance of 1.5m at all times.
WHEN SHOULD I BE WORRIED AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE VIRUS?
Based on information from the Department of Health, some people may be at higher risk of infection, such as people who have other illnesses that suppress the immune system or make them more vulnerable to respiratory disease. This includes people with lung disease or diabetes, those who have suppressed immune systems, and the elderly.
Coronavirus can cause a range of symptoms from mild illness to pneumonia. Affected people may experience:
- fever
- flu-like symptoms
- difficulty breathing
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with or showing symptoms of COVID-19, the advice is to self-isolate and seek urgent medical advice. Call the Public Health Information Line 1800 020 080.
IF I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO SELF-ISOLATE, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Follow the guidelines provided by the Department of Health.
CAN OUR LOCAL DOCTOR AND HOSPITAL CONDUCT COVID-19 TESTING AND OFFER TREATMENT?
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with or is showing symptoms of COVID-19, do not visit the Wongan Hills Medical Centre or Hospital. You are advised to immediately call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398. Your case will be assessed, and further instruction given.
The Wongan Hills Medical Centre will only be attending to patients who have made an appointment by phone (08) 9671-1000. Please do not visit the Medical Centre without an appointment. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms it is imperative that you remain at home and call the hotline.
WHAT IS THE SHIRE DOING TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY?
To ensure we are proactive in preparing to provide our community with ongoing support, one step we are taking is to review our Shire Volunteer Register. We are coordinating assistance to members of the community facing challenges and increasing isolation due to COVID-19. Residents who wish to request assistance may do so by completing the online request. If required, these forms can be collected from the CRC. Click here for further information.
WHAT RECOVERY SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE TO ME OR MY BUSINESS?
Click here to access further information on the State Government's plan to boost the economy, support the community and build infrastructure following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The WA Recovery Plan identifies 21 priorities with an overall budget of $5.5 billion to support the State in its recovery.
IS THERE ANY SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO ME AS A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER?
To help manage business disruption associated with COVID-19, a range of support information focused on the needs of small business owners is in place. Visit the Small Business Development Corporation website for further information and assistance.
ARE THERE ANY MENTAL HEALTH AND FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE?
During this time we urge you to consider your mental health and that of your loved ones. We have provided links below to services that may assist you. Please also remember to register for our "Neighbours in Need" program, even if it is to assist with the sense of isolation.
Get help to cope with life's changes. Visit the following websites for support:
Links to online counselling can be found here or call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 hours) or Kids helpline 1800 55 1800.
The WA mental health website also provides useful information and support.
To receive regular updates and information, we recommend the Federal Government's 'Coronavirus Australia' app which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play if you have an android device.
The following links provide the latest medical information on how to prevent the spread of the virus, and what to do if you are experiencing symptoms.