Moira Shire, like many councils, has now shut major facilities and mayor Libro Mustica has urged the community to look after each other.
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All visitor information centres are closed, as well as Cobram's sports stadium, the Numurkah Aquatic and Fitness Centre and the Yarrawonga Splash Park.
"Everyone has a role to play in protecting yourself and your family and there is no better way than to start with your personal health and if you are felling unwell - please stay at home," Cr Mustica said.
"In terms of food and provisions, there is plenty for all Victorians so please don't take more than you need.
"Be a good citizen and do the right thing, check on your neighbour or the elderly and let them know they are not alone.
"No matter what we look like, where we live, or how much money we have, getting sick reminds us that at our core we're all just human."
Cr Mustica said the state government's shut down of 'non-essential' activities to combat the threat of COVID-19 meant many services the shire normally provides were being reduced or closed.
"The Federal government has also announced mandatory social distancing rules relating to indoor gatherings where people now need to be at least four square metres apart, so this has resulted in the need to cancel our many community engagement functions," he said.
"As this situation is unprecedented, we are all needing to be flexible and responsible - we are meeting daily to review any new information that comes to hand and make decisions accordingly."
Moira Council's customer service centres are still open at this stage, but residents are being urged to use phone and email in the first instance.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Our Economic Development, Maternal and Child Health and Community teams are speaking with businesses, health centres and residents and working hard to put measures in place to buffer the impact this pandemic is causing," Cr Mustica said.
"The latest advice is we have potentially months of restrictions as we head towards winter, so if we all play our part we will be better placed to recover from the health and economic impacts that are now unfolding globally and locally."
The closure of non-essential business is at this stage in place until midnight, April 13, and is defined as:
- A pub, bar or club that is licensed, but not including any part of the business constituted by a bottle-shop
- A hotel, whether licensed or unlicensed, but accommodation and takeaway meals are allowed
- Gyms and indoor sporting centres
- Casinos, cinemas, night clubs, or entertainment venue of any kind
- A restaurant or cafe, except for delivery or takeaway food
- A place of workshop, other than for the purpose of a wedding or funeral.
If you are unwell:
- Stay at home.
- Do not go to public places.
- Do not attend work, schools, universities or social gatherings during this period.
- Do not visit friends and family in health and aged care facilities.
- If you suspect you may have coronavirus (COVID-19) call the dedicated hotline: 1800 675 398.
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