Pandemic committee formed in Benalla for health, jobs response and more

Benalla council has formed a pandemic committee with Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Benalla Business Network and community members.

Key health and aged care providers Benalla Health, Carrier Street Clinic, Church Street Surgery, Coster Street Medical Practice, Cooinda Village, Estia Health and Royal Freemasons are also involved.

Councillor Scott Upston has been appointed chair.

"To provide confidence to the community, we are working hard to share information and lessons learnt in a collaborative approach so that we are in the best shape possible on the other side of this," he said.

"The committee is ensuring all agencies are clear about each other's roles and responsibilities, and that we share knowledge where we can mindful of the requirement to adhere to the Australian and Victorian governments' guidelines."

Cr Upston said the group was focused on a range of issues from ensuring adequate supplies of protective equipment to filling newly-created COVID-response jobs.

"Our best defence against this pandemic is to listen to the experts and to work together, which is exactly what we are doing," he said.

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"Currently the rural city has a low number of confirmed cases and if we continue doing what we are doing this will not change.

"We ask everyone to continue to stay at home whenever possible and to remember good hygiene and social distancing.

"This is the best protection for the entire community and we thank everyone who is practicing this now."

Benalla has three cases.