In response to the Victorian Premier's COVID-19 update announced yesterday, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is reminding the community to stay the course.
Shire Mayor Councillor Sam Hearn said the cautious easing of some of the restrictions would be broadly welcomed and he encouraged Peninsula community to use their common sense over the coming weeks.
"Firstly thankyou once again to our whole community for the commitment you've shown to following the health guidelines and protecting one another. The ability for people to visit family and friends at home with up to 5 visitors will be well received by our community but I remind everyone that even as restrictions are gradually eased, it's critical that you continue to keep 1.5 metres between yourself and others and you practise good hygiene".
"Locally there will be some changes with boat ramps, golf courses and parks re-opening for small gatherings of 10 people or less, but playgrounds, skateparks, other public assets such as furniture and BBQs remain closed".
"Staying the course during this cautious transition phase will make sure we all get through this together".
These local measures will come into effect from tomorrow, Wednesday 13 May.
- Boat ramps – open to recreational fishing
- Fishing from the beach – yes, social distancing rules apply, groups of 10 or less
- Golf Courses – open, social distancing rules apply, groups of 10 or less (Club rooms remain closed)
- Parks - open, social distancing rules apply, groups of 10 or less
- Skateparks – remain closed until further notice
- Playgrounds – remain closed until further notice
- Bowling Greens – remain closed until further notice
- Outdoor assets – picnic benches, seats, BBQs etc – remain closed until further notice
- Merricks Equestrian Centre, Woolleys Road Equestrian Reserve, Main Ridge Equestrian Reserve – open, social distancing rules apply, groups of 10 or less (Club rooms remain closed)
- The Briars – Staged opening of zones – Sanctuary closed.
- Shire buildings (Halls etc) remain closed
Key Victorian Government messaging:
If you can stay home, you must stay home.
There are five reasons that you can leave home:
- shop for food and other necessary goods and services
- access medical services or provide caregiving – for example, this includes shared parenting obligations or providing care and support to an unwell, disabled, elderly or pregnant friend or relative
- attend work or education where you can't do those things from home
- exercise and participate in some recreational activities adhering to the rules
- visit friends, family and loved ones while adhering to the rules
These new arrangements will come into effect at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 12 May.
- Having family and friends visit you at home – with up to five visitors being allowed into your home.
- Gatherings of people for the purposes of non-contact sport and recreation in public settings, such as National, State and public parks – with groups of up to ten being allowed to gather.
- Small gatherings of up to 10 people at some indoor facilities such as places of worship and community centres – along with those required to run the facilities. The four-square metre rule applies in these settings.
