From the Mayor's Desk: Doing our bit as the virus closes in
Published on 09 August 2021
It’s stunning how much can change in such a short time. A week ago, while we were all being asked to wear masks and do the right thing, the lockdowns and the cases all felt a safe distance away.
Then last week virus fragments were detected in sewage treatment facilities in Coffs Harbour and Bonny Hills. We also saw the snap lockdown of our neighbours down in the Hunter region. And then over the weekend the same thing happened right next door in Armidale
The impacts of COVID-19 seem to be closing in, both geographically and in our everyday lives.
I feel great sympathy for the residents, businesses and frontline services in those areas who are now facing a lockdown and all the associated stress and anxiety. At the same time, I feel concern for the residents and businesses and frontline workers of our shire.
The restrictions have already affected us all. Our businesses are struggling. And whatever you feel about the virus and the response, the impact of this all raises anxiety, challenges us, and to put it simply makes our lives that much harder.
You might ask: What can we do? In so many ways it feels like we have no control over things at the moment. There are some things we can do as individuals:
Get tested. Get vaccinated. Check in on people. Support local business.
I had a great moment last week when I received my second dose of COVID-19 vaccination. There is a lot of talk above vaccination at the moment, but I’ve not seen much coverage of the great rush of satisfaction that comes with getting it done.
Just by getting that second jab I felt like I’d taken back a little bit of control of my life. I also felt like I had done something towards ending the lockdowns. Clearly the vaccination rate is crucial to the return to normality and the removal of lockdowns.
At covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au you can get information on the vaccine suitable for you, and find where you can get it in our shire. There are many different locations and more and more being set up all the time.
And of course, follow the public health orders and keep wearing masks, none of us like them but they make a difference.
Finally, please look after yourself as well as your family, friends and neighbours. This is a highly stressful time for many of us. Today is a great day to ask someone “how are you going?”.