GIORGINA MCKAY, JOSH BRINE and HUGH SCHUITEMAKER
THE three Riverland mayors have urged the community to come together now more than ever to support each other during this crisis and slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Renmark Paringa Mayor Neil Martinson, Berri Barmera Mayor Peter Hunt and Loxton Waikerie Mayor Leon Stasinowsky all said Riverlanders should be working together to meet the challenges COVID-19 had brought, particularly to local businesses.
“Sometimes it’s a matter of ringing up or emailing through and getting people to put things out at a certain place to pick up because if those businesses get infected, they’re going to close down altogether and that’s much worse than having them open with restricted access ,” Mr Stasinowsky said.
“It may inconvenience us at times, but the alternative is much, much harsher than just going through and having to wait.”
Mr Martinson also encouraged residents to support local business, but to maintain social distancing at the same time.
“Social distancing is one of the most effective methods of preventing the spread of COVID-19, so people need to stay home and only go out for essential reasons,” he said.
“This is an evolving issue for our community and we ask for patience.
“These measures will assist us in maintaining the safety of our community.”
Mr Hunt said self-isolation was the main method of prevention, and residents need to take that on board.
“Self-isolation is the big one, because from what I’ve heard people are still not fully aware of how bad this virus is and are still congregating,” he said.
“Stay safe, stay isolated, keep the four-square metre distancing, and stay at home.
“Follow the guidelines like we have all been told to do – there’s plenty of information out there.”
However, above all, Mr Stasinowsky hoped people would stay positive and not panic.
“Adhere to what the powers to be are saying – from the federal level down – to alleviate everything possible so this virus doesn’t have a major outbreak in our area,” he said.
“If we do something silly, some people will say ‘They infected themselves – that’s their worry’, but it’s not because you mix with other people and then make them vulnerable to getting the virus.
“We’re all in this and there’s no escaping it for anyone, and if somebody does it wrong, then the community is in complete shutdown and many people could lose their lives.
Mr Hunt said if people are feeling vulnerable, to contact someone they can have a chat to, even if that is the council office.
“I know people can’t come into our offices, but if anything’s the matter, people should feel free to contact our offices if they have an issue or anything else – that’s what we’re here for,” he said.
Mr Stasinowsky also said residents could ring council office if they had any issues.
Likewise, if it seems like a police matter, such as people not adhering to social distancing rules, residents can contact the local authorities.
“The last thing we want is an outbreak and somebody says, ‘Well, I knew they were doing that a fortnight ago’,” Mr Stasinowsky said.
“Nip it in the bud early so we can get out of this with as little problems as possible.”