Stay at home this Easter, Surf Coast Shire urges holidaymakers

THE Surf Coast Shire council is urging people not to visit for any reason over the Easter period, saying a positive coronavirus case could seriously tax the municipality’s medical services.

Easter is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year on the Surf Coast, with the population of towns such as Torquay and Lorne swelling as people come to holiday houses to enjoy the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach (which has been postponed for 2020) and other events.

Social distancing requirements and a downturn in trade as a result of the coronavirus have already resulted in less people on the streets in the shire, but mayor Rose Hodge, in a video post on the shire’s website titled “Easter is different this year”, urged people to stay away over the long weekend.

“I have a very simple message: stay at home.

“Whether you are a permanent resident, or a part-time resident, stay at home.

“If you are planning to visit our region for Easter, stay at home.

“Surf Coast Shire has limited medical services. There are few hospitals, and none have intensive care units.

“A positive coronavirus case at a local GP or hospital could result in a doctor or nurse having to remove themselves from these workplaces. This would put great strain on what is already a small workforce.

“If anyone were to become seriously ill in Surf Coast Shire, they will likely not be able to get the help they need here. And they may not be able to return to their usual area. This could leave them stranded in another larger hospital, away from family and friends.

“At any other time, we whole-heartedly welcome and value our visitors and non-permanent residents. But in these extraordinary times, we ask people to avoid travel between residences and consider not coming to their holiday homes this Easter. Our health services would be enormously grateful. And it might save a life.

“The best approach is for all of us to stay at home.”