Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). 
COVID-19 is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

For the up-to-date information, advice and answers to frequently asked questions about coronavirus go to www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19

The virus can cause an infection in people, including a severe respiratory illness. Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Affected people may experience, fever, flu like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and headaches and difficulty breathing.

The Victorian Government's interactive self-assessment can help you better understand the risks and precautions you need to take based on your personal circumstances.

1 July 2020 Council Supports Lockdown of Metro Postcodes to Reduce Spread of Coronavirus

26 June 2020 Council Employs Local Residents Through Working for Victoria Fund

26 June 2020 Council Budget Deferred Until August

19 June 2020 Nine Community Members Appointed to Council's Recovery Advisory Group

11 June 2020 Council Increases Its Online Engagement Capability

11 June 2020 Council Checks Pulse of the Community

4 June 2020 Get Your Business Online with Buy From Mansfield

4 June 2020 Mansfield Shire Businesses Now Eligible for $10,000 Bushfire Support Grants

3 June 2020 Council Planning Welcome Back: Stay Safe Campaign

29 May 2020 Library Opens on 9 June With Restrictions In Place

28 May 2020 Council's Customer Service Desk to Re-open

26 May 2020 Playgrounds and Skatepark First to Re-open as Focus Changes From Stay Home to Stay Safe

22 May 2020 9 Community Members Sought for Council's Recovery Advisory Group

21 May 2020 Up To $1.657m Boost to Local Economy for Council Jobs Through Working for Victoria Fund

14 May 2020 Focusing on family violence during and after emergencies

13 May 2020 Visiting family and friends is allowed, but stay home as much as possible to keep the community safe

8 May 2020 Are You Over 55 and Would Like A Young Penpal? Council Co-ordinates New Community Initiative

1 May 2020 Partnerships and Services Supporting Aboriginal Members of our Community

1 May 2020 Storytime Continues on Online Streaming

1 May 2020 Collecting Firewood? Have you got a Permit

29 April 2020 Council COVID-19 Public Notice

24 April 2020 Council Meetings Can Now Be Conducted Electronically

24 April 2020 #MyMansfield: GOOD NEWS TO KEEP THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED AND POSITIVE

24 April 2020 Council Launches Relief Information Line

22 April 2020 Council COVID-19 Public Notice

17 April 2020 2020-21 Budget to Stimulate Local Economy: Council Seeks Community Feedback

9 April 2020 Essential Service Businesses Call For Solidarity

9 April 2020 More Meals on Wheels

3 April 2020 New Ways Keep People Connected To Their Community

3 April 2020 Mansfield Library Launches Click & Collect

2 April 2020 Short Term Help With Council Fees

27 March 2020 DrumMuster Service Temporarily Closed

27 March 2020 Colourful Plans For Roundabout and Other Business As Usual

27 March 2020 Council Reinforces Message for Visitors to @stayathome

26 March 2020 Council Develops More Options For Council Meetings

20 March 2020 Council Payment Options

20 March 2020 Resources to Support Businesses During Coronavirus

19 March 2020 Council Closes Services to Protect Community

16 March 2020 Council Offers Alternatives to Attending Council Meeting

13 March 2020 Council Prepared for Coronavirus

Given the rapidly evolving situation in regards to COVID19 Virus Mansfield Shire Council is taking a number of precautionary steps to protect our community, staff, volunteers and visitors.

Council playgrounds, outdoor gym equipment and skateparks

From 11:59pm on 25 May, 2020 public playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skateparks were opened. People should not gather in groups of more than 10 at these facilities and stay 1.5metres apart from others where possible.

During the week of 25 - 29 May all equipment will be given a once-off clean. Equipment will not be cleaned or sanitised on an ongoing basis. It is recommend that people wash or sanitise their hands before and after use of the equipment and they may also like to clean ‘touch surfaces’ themselves before use.

There is no limit on the number of people that can utilise these facilities at any one time. People should not gather in groups of more than 10 and should stay 1.5 metres apart from others where possible. 

Council’s customer service desk, Highett Street, Mansfield

Mansfield Shire Council is preparing to re-open its Customer Service Desk at 33 Highett Street, for limited face-to-face service on Monday 1 June.

Council’s preference is that all payments are made online.

Services available will include:

• limited VicRoads services including photo point services for drivers and firearms licences, work diaries and VicRoads forms
• drop-off point for sharps containers and disposal of batteries and X-rays
• payments via Eftpos and cheques for rates, animal registrations, debtors, planning, building, environmental health and engineering, if unable to pay online.

In-line with the Victorian Government’s advice many Council staff will continue to work from home. The most effective way to contact a specific staff member and do business with Council will continue to be via phone, email or our website.

The no-cash policy at the Customer Service Desk will continue and at this stage learner permit driver tests will also be unavailable.

Mansfield Library

The Mansfield Library will re-open on 9 June 2020 with reduced hours to enable staff to undertake additional tasks required to ensure social distancing and hygiene.

The hours of operation commencing Tuesday, 9 June are:

Day	Time
Tuesday	2:30pm-4:30pm
Wednesday	10:00am-midday
Thursday	10:00am-midday
Friday	10:00am-midday and 2:30pm-4:30pm
Saturday-Monday	Closed

The Click and Collect service will continue and the use of the on-line collections is encouraged for those that would prefer to continue to stay home as much as possible.

Due to the requirements and restrictions, the following changes will also be in place when the library opens:

• There will be a maximum of 20 people, including staff members allowed in the Library at one time and people will be asked constrain their time to a maximum of 15 minutes for borrowing and browsing
• One public internet computer available only and one catalogue computer available with a 30 minute limit on use of the computers.  One person allowed per computer (unless they are family members)
• Newspapers, toys and activities will not be available
• No room hire, study space or group activities is available until further notice
• Returned items will be quarantined for a minimum of 4 days before being available to reloan
• Loans from outside the High Country Network collection are unavailable
• Outreach to Woods Point and Gaffney’s Creek via Stewarts Bus Service (monthly) will continue.
• Outreach visits by a Librarian will not occur
• On-line story times occur at the same time story-time normally occurs (first and third Friday of each month)

For more information go to www.mansfield.vic.gov.au/residents/community/library-services

Mansfield Youth Centre

The Mansfield Youth Centre on Erril Street will re-open on 2 June 2020 with usual operating hours of 3pm-6pm Tuesday-Friday, but with a maximum 20 person occupancy, including staff members. 

Programs, skills development and social support groups where social distancing and hygiene can be maintained will also be re-implemented.  This includes the Enterprise Program with Mansfield Steiner School, homework support at the Youth Centre, fitness activities, the PRISM group, a leadership program and FReeZA committee meetings. 

FReeZA events and the L2P learner driver program will remain suspended.

For more information visit: www.mansfield.vic.gov.au/residents/family-services/family-and-children/youth

Mansfield Community Centre (including the Buckland room)

During the week starting 8 June, Council will start a staggered re-implementation of bookings at the Community Centre (including the Buckland Room). 

Council’s Property Officer will work with groups on existing bookings to re-implement their programs and ensure that the appropriate social distancing and hygiene practices are in place.  For more information contact Council’s Property Officer Angela Cesarec on 5775 8514.

Mansfield Visitor Information Centre

The Mansfield Visitor Information Centre (VIC) will open on Friday 5 June 2020, in line with travel restrictions easing and to facilitate long-weekend visitation. 

From 11:59pm on 31 May, restrictions on travel within Victoria were eased to allow people to stay in a holiday home, private residence and tourist accommodation, including caravan parks and camping grounds, where there are no shared communal facilities (e.g. kitchens and bathrooms).

From Friday 5 June, the VIC will be open 7 days per week from 10am-4pm.  The service will be modified to allow for social distancing and increased hygiene requirements. Merchandise such as maps will still be able to be purchased, but will not be able to be handled prior to purchase.

Home and Community Care 

In line with federal government directives, Home and Community Care package elements of Planned Activity Groups, Spring Club, Thursday Social Group, Mens Group, EasyMovers, AquaMovers and the Community Bus have been cancelled.  All clients participating in these programs have been notified and we will be continue to communicate with these clients during this period to understand their needs and provide appropriate support. 

Council Depot

For deliveries to the Council Depot please wait at the gate and phone reception prior to entering.  The phone number will be on the gate.

Mansfield Sporting Complex 

As of Wednesday 1 July, Mansfield Sporting Complex is available for bookings to users with a Council approved Covid Safe Plan.  For more information contact Council’s Property Officer Angela Cesarec on 5775 8514.

Volunteer Program 

Council has an incredible team of volunteers, however the majority of the volunteers are within the most at risk age category for COVID19. Council will not be using volunteers to deliver services during this period and Council staff will be redeployed to undertake essential activities such as meals-on-wheels deliveries.

Resource Recovery Centre

From Friday 29 May the Resale Shed at the Resource Recovery Centre will reopen during usual operating hours. EFTPOS sales only.

At this stage, most other Council services remain operational with some changes to reduce person-to-person contact as well as triaging essential and non-essential components.

• Home and Community Care: Elements of the Home and Community Care packages such as personal care, respite, home maintenance, meals on wheels and transport that are essential to support clients to live independently in their home will continue.  The Regional Assessment Service (RAS) will be modified to reduce person to person contact 
• Integrated family services, financial counselling and maternal child health: will continue with modifications to support increased home visits and/or other methods which have reduced person to person contact. Information on COVID-19 for parents with infants and young children
• School Crossing Supervision: Whilst students continue to attend schools, our schools crossing supervisors will assist students. 
• Waste Collection: Your bins will be collected as normal and the Resource Recovery Centre will be open.  However DrumMuster service has been suspended until further notice.
• Planning: Permit applications will be assessed.
• Public Amenities: Public toilets will continue to be cleaned, roads, community infrastructure and parks and gardens will be maintained and capital works will continue.

Council’s priority is always the health and safety of both our staff and the community as we continue to work through uncertain times and deliver vital and key services.

Coronavirus Hotline

We encourage employees and employers to work together to find appropriate solutions that suit the needs of individual workplaces and staff.  
The Australian and Victorian Chambers have produced an Employer Guide(link is external) for managing the workplace in the face of the outbreak which includes:

• Understanding your risks.
• Employer obligation.
• Working from home.
• Changing or scaling down operations, and
• Business shut down.

For information and assistance on any aspect of your employment obligations, the Victorian Chamber Workplace Relations Advice Line (03) 8662 5222 can help.

Business Victoria is a great resource for up-to-date information and updates on the current restrictions. It is also providing a range of advice and information for business owners on things like economic stimulus, business continuity, and recovery. Business Victoria also has a hotline to help businesses with COVID-19 questions. You can call them on 13 22 15.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides a comprehensive list of resources and advice. They are also offering free 12 month membership. Join Now

Business Gov is the Federal Government information hub for business support. It contains information on government support including financial assistance, eligibility and timing for government support.

The Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak industry body for the tourism and events sector. They are waiving membership fees for 'In the Loop' and' Essentials' membership packages. They will also be providing additional services including training credit to courses provided by the Victorian Chamber.

Cleaning and disinfecting tips for non-healthcare settings

Cleaning and disinfecting to reduce COVID-19 transmission - tips for non-healthcare settings guide – advice on cleaning and disinfecting to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in all non-healthcare settings in Victoria. The principles in the guide apply equally to domestic settings, office buildings, small retail businesses, social venues and all other non-healthcare settings.

If you are experiencing increased worry and stress during this time, there are a number of support services available

Stress savvy in business

Lifeline can be called on 13 11 14

Beyond Blue can be called via 1300 224 636

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has a My Business Help web portal. This portal now has an additional section for businesses struggling with COVID-19. Check out their finance and mental health information for business.

If you have any queries, please contact the Economic Development Team on 03 5775 8520 or email nicole.nye@mansfield.vic.gov.au

Information for Parents

Income support for individuals

People who receive a range of Commonwealth payments are now eligible to receive a new, time-limited Coronavirus Supplement of $550 per fortnight. This will be paid to both existing and new recipients of JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance Jobseeker, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit.

If you already receive one of the eligible payments, you will automatically be paid the Coronavirus Supplement. You do not need to contact Centrelink.

If you don’t currently receive an income support payment and you need help because you have lost your job or had your income reduced, you will need to apply through Centrelink. Start your claim online through myGov before visiting Centrelink. If you need to provide proof of identity and you’re in self-isolation or feeling unwell, you can do this over the phone.

Please visit the Treasury website for more information:
https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/households

Payments to support households

The Government is providing two separate $750 payments to social security, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders. The first payment will be made from 31 March 2020 and the second payment will be made from 13 July 2020. 

If you already receive one of the eligible payments, you will automatically be paid the $750 economic support payment. You do not need to contact Centrelink.

If you don’t currently receive an income support payment and you need help because you have lost your job or had your income reduced, you will need to apply through Centrelink. Start your claim online through myGov before visiting Centrelink. If you need to provide proof of identity and you’re in self-isolation or feeling unwell, you can do this over the phone.

Please visit the Treasury website for more information:
https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/households

Temporary early release of superannuation

Individuals affected by the Coronavirus can now access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21. These withdrawals will be tax-free and will not affect Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments.

Eligible individuals can apply online to the ATO through myGov before 1 July 2020 to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation.

Temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown rates

The Government is temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown requirements for account-based pensions and similar products by 50 per cent for 2019-20 and 2020-21. 

Reducing social security deeming rates

On 12 March, the Government announced a 0.5 percentage point reduction in both the upper and lower social security deeming rates. The Government will now reduce these rates by another 0.25 percentage points. The changes will be effective from 1 May 2020.

Support for small business

Boosting cash flow for employers

The Government is providing up to $100,000 to eligible small and medium-sized businesses, and not for-profits that employ people, with a minimum payment of $20,000.

The payment will be delivered by the ATO as an automatic credit in the activity statement system from 28 April 2020 upon employers lodging eligible upcoming activity statements. A further payment will be available for the June-October 2020 period.

Increasing the instant asset write-off

The Government is increasing the instant asset write-off threshold from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanding access to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million).

This proposal applies from 12 March 2020 until 30 June 2020, for new or second-hand assets first used or installed ready for use in this timeframe.

Supporting apprentices and trainees

Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage for 9 months from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. Where a small business is not able to retain an apprentice, the subsidy will be available to a new employer that employs that apprentice. Employers will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $21,000 per eligible apprentice or trainee ($7,000 per quarter).

Employers can register for the subsidy from early April 2020. Final claims for payment must be lodged by 31 December 2020. For further information on how to apply for the subsidy, including information on eligibility, contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider.

Supporting the flow of credit 

Support for immediate cash flow needs for SMEs

Under the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme, the Government will provide a guarantee of 50 per cent to SME lenders to support new short-term unsecured loans to SMEs. The Scheme will guarantee up to $40 billion of new lending. 

The Scheme will commence by early April 2020 and be available for new loans made by participating lenders until 30 September 2020.

For more information on the Australian Government’s Economic Response to Coronavirus visit treasury.gov.au/coronavirus.
 

Social distancing, self-solation, loss of employment, remote working and home-schooling, not to mention fear of infection, can all be very stressful experiences. It is a normal response to feel overwhelmed, anxious and unable to cope with any of these issues, and especially when experienced at the same time.

Good mental health is just as important as good physical health – it enables you to cope in times of stress and tragedy, while also helping you to stay positive and appreciate what you do have. If you are struggling, do not hesitate to seek expert advice and reach out to services who are there to help you. There is nothing weak or self-centred in seeking help – you are taking control over your wellbeing by using the resources available to you, just like accessing online exercise guides, gym equipment or trainers to look after your physical health.

5 Steps to Supporting Good Mental Health under COVID-19 Restrictions

This is applicable for everyone, both under social distancing measures and at-home isolation regulations:

1. Stay Active – find ways to be active in your home and exercise around the neighbourhood everyday according to your ability. Research shows strong links between good mental health and physical exercise/nature. Explore the internet for online exercise guides, including yoga, and ideas for at-home alternatives to visiting a gym or attending group classes.
2. Eat Well – A healthy nutritious diet is also essential to good mental health. This might be the time to rediscover your cookbooks and explore the internet for new recipes while cutting down on snacks and sugar-loaded foods.
3. Stay Connected – Reach out to friends, family and neighbours. Social connection is vital to our wellbeing, and while some people might need this contact more frequently than others, find ways and even new habits of connecting via the phone, online, mailbox drop and even over the fence.
4. Develop a New Daily Routine – Especially if not occupied with working at home, try not to sleep in or stay up too late, and aim to include exercise, recreation and connecting with others.
5. Be Informed by Facts – Constant media coverage about COVID-19 can create unnecessary fear and anxiety. Try to limit media exposure and instead seek factual information directly from reliable expert sources such as government departments, ABC and SBS News channels. Avoid reading and relying on information from non-expert sources, such as via social media messages making unsubstantiated claims.   

For more details visit the Lifeline website.

Local Trade and Services Delivering to Homes

Groceries 

Marks IGA - 5775 2014 www.mansfieldiga.com.au

Foodworks - 5775 2255 www.mansfield.myfoodworks.com.au

Delatite Poultry – 5775 1388 or Facebook

High Country Fresh - 0419 375 656 (Deliver Mansfield township only)

Meals

Mansfield Coffee Merchant – 5779 1703 www.mansfieldcoffeemerchant.com.au

George & Al Roy’s - 03 5775 1073 or Skip or Facebook

Delatite Hotel - 5775 2004 www.thedelatitehotel.com.au/food

High Country Food Co - 0448 123 098 www.highcountryfoodco.com.au/menus

Amongst The Sticks Catering – 5775 3030 www.thesticks.com.au

Social Bandit – 5775 3281 www.socialbandit.com.au

Goods & Trade

Yenckens Hardware – 5775 2511       www.yenckens.com.au

Bi-Rite Home Appliances – 5775 2099    www.birite.com.au/stores/bi-rite-mansfield

Target Mansfield – 5733 1300      www.target.com.au/help/payment-delivery

Betta Home Living – 5775 1992  www.betta.com.au/stores/mansfield-betta-home-living

Mansfield Hospitality Supplies – 5779 1660   www.mansfieldhospitalitysupplies.com.au

Stolz Mansfield – 5775 2688    www.stolz.com.au

Edith & May – 5779 1355         www.highcountryflowers.com.au

Information Services and Closures 

Central Hume Primary Care Partnership