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Clarence City Council chambers will be closed to the public from close of business today, Tuesday 24 March 2020, until further notice.
After much discussion, this decision has been made to help ensure the health and safety of both staff and customers during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The council will continue to provide most of it’s services online and is still open for business as usual on 6217 9500 or by emailing clarence@ccc.tas.gov.au during business hours Mondays to Fridays.
Clarence City Council has activated its Business Continuity and Recovery Policy, which includes relevant plans and processes that will enable council to continue delivering services to the community during this difficult time.
The council will also be considering several key measures to combat the impacts of COVID – 19 on the Clarence community at its meeting on 6 April 2020, the actions from which will be broadly communicated across a range of channels.
As you will be aware from recent media reports, the spread of the COVID-19 in Australia has been increasing.
Information about the virus is changing rapidly and Clarence City Council is monitoring the situation very closely.
The health and safety of the community is council’s number one priority and we continue to work closely with The Tasmanian Department of Health to ensure a consistent approach in relation to coronavirus.
Clarence City Council has a COVID-19 business continuity plan in place which may see the closure of some facilities and the cancellation of some events. We will keep the community informed as this changes. Please check our website and Facebook page for updates.
It is important to note that while most people affected by COVID-19 experience mild flu-like symptoms, some may experience severe illness that can escalate rapidly. Older people and people with underlying medical conditions are believed to be at a higher risk of severe illness.
If you have reason to believe you may have come in contact with the COVID-19 virus and feel unwell, please call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for advice.
The Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services is updating its website regularly as we learn more about the virus. For more information on COVID-19 and how to prevent its spread, visit the Department of Health and Human Services
For latest information relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Australia, visit health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
Printable resources
Show / Hide- Protect_Yourself_Protect_Others (Tas Dept of Health)
- Self Assessment Tool – COVID-19 Fact Sheet.pdf
- Tasmanian Hotlines – COVID-19 Fact Sheet.pdf
- Protecting Yourself – COVID-19 Fact Sheet.pdf
- Important Information About Coronavirus.pdf
- Hand Washing Procedure – COVID-19 Fact Sheet.pdf
- Coronavirus Where Can I Get Information v2.pdf
Q&As regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Food Businesses
Show / HideThe following Q & As represent the type of queries being received. This information is relevant as of Thursday 19th March 2020 – but please note requirements for COVID-19 action are subject to rapid change.
Q: My food business wants to start offering a take-away and/or delivery service (including via a third-party service such as Uber Eats). Are there any restrictions?
A: No. Unless specified as a condition on your food business registration, a food business can offer takeaway and delivery options.
Q: What must my food business do if I want to start offering take-away and/or deliveries?
A: The Food Standards Code requires a food business whilst transporting food to protect it from contamination and keep it under appropriate temperature control. Always use food grade containers, including tubs, eskies or hot boxes that close to protect the food from contamination. Keep hot food hot and cold food cold by using insulated bags or eskies. These are not necessary if the food is delivered within 30 minutes of leaving the premises – as there is not enough time for pathogens to grow to dangerous levels.
Q: Do I need to do anything different to our current cleaning and sanitising processes?
A: The Food Standards Code requires all food businesses to ensure that all eating and drinking utensils and all food contact surfaces are cleaned and sanitised regardless of COVID-19. However, it is advisable to review cleaning and sanitising practices to ensure surfaces such as door handles, handles to refrigerators, tap handles and other ‘high touch’ areas are subject to frequent and effective cleaning.
Q: Can my food business still allow customers to bring their ‘keep cups’?
A: Yes. Food businesses can still accept ‘keep cups’ if they choose to. Always check the cups are clean and not likely to cause cross-contamination. Don’t use the cup if it isn’t clean. Be mindful of the need to wash your hands before and/or after handling keep cups.
Q: Do I need to do anything with my food if my food business closes?
A: If a Food Business chooses to close, we recommend disposing of or taking home perishable foods. Alternatively, you could consider donating any ‘in-date food’ to a recognised charity.
For more information on food and COVID-19, please see: https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/safety/Pages/NOVEL-CORONAVIRUS-AND-FOOD-SAFETY.aspx
For more information on COVID-19, please see: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert