A message from the Mayor on flattening the curve

As Australians prepare for the Prime Minister Scott Morrison to tomorrow announce how Australia might further loosen COVID-19 restrictions, I urge the community to continue to observe all current restrictions in place.

Cumulative COVID-19 cases in the Waverley LGA remain at 181 cases but to avoid a growth in cases we must remain vigilant and continue to observe social distancing and restrictions on outdoor gatherings.

Our ‘Swim & Go’ and ‘Surf & Go’ corridors have been working very well these past few days and I remind people that if entry to these corridors looks busy, please come back another time. Our Council is delighted to be able to reopen access to the water at our beaches for exercise, but people need to continue do the right thing for this access to continue.

As temperatures reach the mid 20s, we have also seen an increase in foot traffic this week along our beach promenades and in our parks and reserves. We understand how important exercise is for mental health but we remind people not to gather in groups in public places and to observe social distancing at all times. Our Rangers are helping educate people about the restrictions in place and the Police have the power to enforce Public Health Orders. Please, if you are asked to move along by Rangers or the Police, please do so and help us flatten the curve in Waverley.

Our community has done such a good job in observing restrictions and helping health officials suppress the spread of the virus. We understand people want to return to greater freedoms, but we don’t want a second wave. Our Governments at Commonwealth and State level are considering the best health advice on when and how to ease restrictions. So until restrictions are lifted, please follow the public health orders and restrictions in place and maintain social distancing.

We will continue to inform the community about our responses to COVID-19 as restrictions change. In the meantime, please, stay safe, practice social distancing, remember to wash your hands often for 20 seconds and get tested at the Bondi Beach drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic if you have any concerns.

Paula Masselos

-Mayor of Waverley