By Mitchell Clarke
There are now seven confirmed cases of Covid-19 within the Cardinia Shire, 28 in Casey and 18 in Yarra Ranges, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
As of Tuesday 31 March, Victoria’s total number of cases has reached 917, made up of 501 men and 413 women. Four people have sadly died from the virus, 291 have recovered and more than 45,000 patients have been tested.
The location or travels of Cardinia’s confirmed cases isn’t known as the Department only provides information on local government areas (LGAs).
Instead, authorities continue to take a blunt approach, urging the community to continue social distancing by staying home.
“My message to every Victorian is that there are only four reasons to leave your home: food and supplies, medical care, exercise, and work or education,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
“The events we are living through are unprecedented and are going to mean big changes for everyone from our littlest Victorians to our most senior citizens.
“To flatten the curve, we are all going to have to sacrifice a lot – but it may be the most important thing we ever do.”
Locally, Cardinia Shire Council is working closely with government agencies and have activated plans to ensure the health and safety of the community and provision of essential community services.
The majority of community events have already been cancelled or postponed and the council has been forced to suspend or make changes to some services.
Bin collection continues as normal however bins may be collected a little earlier in the day than usual.
All council open spaces are still open to the public however playgrounds, skateparks, barbecues, picnic areas and exercise equipment cannot be used.
The council’s customer service centre on Siding Avenue in Officer is closed until further notice but the organisation can still be contacted by phone, post or email.
Cardinia Cultural Centre has also been closed until further notice and all performances and events have been cancelled. The centre will still host immunisations and the Red Cross blood donation centre.
Cardinia Life’s gym, stadium, cafe and pool are closed and memberships have been placed on hold. Officer Community Hub’s stadium and meeting rooms have also shut.
Tennis at the Pakenham Regional Tennis Centre was brought to a stop from Friday 27 March following advice from Tennis Victoria.
Where there are no known visits by a Covid-19 carrier to any of Cardinia Leisure facilities, the precautionary action had been taken in a bid to help slow the spread of the virus.
“The health and safety of our people, both staff and customers has always been our number one priority,” head of sports and stadium Dean Jamieson said.
“We understand that there will be an impact felt by many from these closures, however believe this is the right decision to protect our community based on current advice.
“We are currently working to contact all of our valued members and guests to ensure that they are kept fully informed as further advice is received and look forward to welcoming everyone back at the earliest available opportunity.”
For more information on coronavirus, call 1800 675 398 or visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.
