“The City is working hard to do what it can to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
“In response to the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison’s ban on non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people, the City has taken several measures to protect its community and staff.
“As of Friday 20 March, the City’s Community Centres in Bayswater and Morley will close for the foreseeable future.
“Our centres are places where our seniors gather to play cards, socialise and participate in group activities. The City also organises bus trips to tourist locations. Given that our seniors are in the high risk category for contracting the virus we are taking the precautionary measure of closing our community centres.
“We are mindful of the social isolation some seniors may experience following the closure of our community centres and we are currently investigating ways we can support our members. Unfortunately, at this time, the risk to our older community members is just too high for our centres to remain open.
“The City’s podiatry services will continue at the community centres, by appointment only. This service is considered essential for people with Diabetes.
“All face to face consultation activities with the community have been cancelled until further notice. We are currently looking at other ways to engage the community and have already increased our online activities including the establishment of webinar workshops. Community members will still be able to complete surveys online on topics they interested in and hard copies can be posted to them. Our Engage Bayswater community portal at engage.bayswater.wa.gov.au will remain the place to access information on the City’s key projects.
“Yesterday the City cancelled events and programs taking place between today and Friday 17 April at the Bayswater, Morley and Maylands Libraries. This has been successful in reducing the number of visitor numbers to the libraries to under the threshold advised by the Prime Minister this morning. Community members who are keen to access the City’s libraries to borrow books and DVDs, and access the Internet are being provided disposable gloves and hand sanitiser.
“Given the measures put in place today by the Federal government to protect residents of aged care facilities, the City has suspended its Book on Wheels delivery program to three aged care facilities. It is important we are vigilant in our efforts to protect those who are most vulnerable in our community.
“We will continue to monitor the situation with the best interests of our community and staff in mind."
City of Bayswater Acting CEO
Des Abel