WELLINGTON Shire mayor Garry Stephens is urging local people to be vigilant and to follow the latest COVID-19 health advice, for the sake of local business.
Cr Stephens said following the advice to keep physical distance, sanitise, wearing masks, getting tested for COVID-19 and getting vaccinated was the only way to ensure local businesses would be able to go back to operating as normal and financially recover.
“Our businesses and local economy in Wellington are hurting,” he said.
“So are our families whose family members have been out of work due to lockdowns.”
“It’s easy to think that COVID is just a Melbourne problem, but the close calls in Wellington during the past week have shown us that it can very quickly come to us.
“We need to remain vigilant and work together.
“If you have any symptoms at all, please get tested and make an appointment to be vaccinated.
“For those who are vaccinated, it’s important that you continue to follow the Chief Health Officer’s recommendations, including continuing to wear your face mask.
“Being vaccinated isn’t a reason to become complacent.”
Cr Stephens said local business and the casual workforce had suffered during the lockdowns.
“Just when we think local business have been able to start their recovery, another lockdown occurs and they are back to square one,” he said.
“We owe it to ourselves, our loved ones and members of our community to be diligent and continue to protect our health and safety.
“Please, whether we are in lock-down or not, support our economy where you can by purchasing from local businesses.
“The dollar you spend may be the dollar that keeps them going through this uncertainty.”
Wellington Shire Council has recently employed two COVID business support officers through state government funding, to help local businesses adhere by COVID restrictions.
The two officers have been visiting and phoning business owners to help with requirements such as checking in, social distancing, cleaning and sanitising and providing advice on how to write a COVIDsafe action plan.
They are also available for community groups who are involved in events and need help.
“The advice and service from the COVID business support officers is free, so if you haven’t yet heard from them, you can contact them for advice on 1300 366 244 or email enquiries@wellington.vic.gov.au,” Cr Stephens said.
“All Wellington residents need to do all they can to keep Wellington free of COVID-19 and take care of each other.”
