Guidance for events and community activities - updated 18 March 2020

Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2020 at 12:00:00 AM

The Shire of Ashburton has made the difficult decision to cancel all Shire events that are scheduled in the coming weeks effective from 16 March until 16 April.

This decision followed the current public advice against on all non-essential public gatherings of more than 500 people as imposed by the federal government as a measure to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.

As of 18 March, this advice also includes all non-essential indoor gatherings of greater than 100 people (including staff) are no longer be permitted.

We are asking community members to be responsible with planning their own events and sporting activities.

Check with your sporting code or head body of your organisation for their directive on holding events at this time.

People organising smaller events should undertake risk assessments in partnership with local and national public health authorities and the decision to hold, restrict, modify, postpone or cancel your event should be based on a thorough assessment of the risk.

Before going ahead with your planned event, you should consider the factors detailed below and appropriate steps you can take to reduce the risk.

We recommend that you follow guidelines for social distancing when organising or attending an event. Refer to information from the Department of Health for organising public gatherings.

We are working closely with local organisations and community groups to assist them with their planning in the coming weeks and months and will continue to update our community as circumstances surrounding the outbreak of Coronavirus progress.

This year’s Karijini Experience has also been cancelled and RSL WA have also advised this morning that ANZAC Day commemorations are also cancelled across the state.

Community members are reminded to practice healthy hygiene habits.

• Wash your hands with soap and water
• Cover your coughs and sneezes and dispose of tissues
• Avoid contact with others if you are unwell

We will continue to provide the community with updates and encourage you to refer to the Australian Department of Health, who are actively monitoring the outbreak. Updates and information are available from www.health.gov.au/ and healthywa.wa.gov.au.

Shire of Ashburton events that have been cancelled include:

For media information contact:

Alison Lennon - Manager Media and Communications, Shire of Ashburton

M: 0409 314 140 | E: [email protected]

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