Derwent Valley Council offices close

THE Derwent Valley Council offices in Circle St, New Norfolk, will be temporarily closed to the public from 5pm today (Thursday) as a preventative measure against the spread of coronavirus COVID-19.

In a statement on Facebook, the council says it intends to reduce the number of face-to-face interactions with the community to protect its staff and their ability to carry out ongoing essential services. "Please be assured we are closing our doors only, not our services," a spokesman said.

OPEN AND CLOSED IN THE DERWENT VALLEY: SEE THE UPDATED LIST

How to contact the council:

• If you have a service request, call 6261 8500 or email dvcouncil@dvc.tas.gov.au 
• Pay your rates via BPAY, over the phone or complete the deposit slip on your rates notice and drop into the mail slot with your cash or cheque for payment.
• View Development Applications on the council website under Public Notices.
• Council staff will still be mowing lawns, catching stray dogs and servicing public toilets. 
• The Peppermint Hill tip is still open for now, but the Tip Shop is closed.
• The Valley Children’s Centre is open and providing care for children of those who need to work.
• Make an appointment to talk to the council’s Planner or Environmental Health Officer. 

"So, even though our doors are closing for now, there are still plenty of ways we will continue to serve our community. Stay inside, stay safe," the spokesman said.

What is is open, closed or changed in the Derwent Valley due to COVID-19? SEE THE LIST now with more than 170 listings. Send updates, additions and corrections to newnorfolknews@gmail.com.

• To help stop the spread of coronavirus, stay 1.5 metres away from others where possible, wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, avoid touching your face and if sick, stay home. Read more.
• Non-essential gatherings are suspended. Read more.
• There are restrictions on visitors to residential aged care facilities to protect older Australians. Check with individual facilities for further information.

Advice about where to find official information about COVID-19 appears at the top of the New Norfolk News homepage, including general advice about helping to reduce the spread of the virus. The best information is sourced from: World Health Organisation; Australian Government Department of Health; and the Tasmanian Government Department of Health.

Washing your hands for 20 seconds is one of the most effective forms of infection control. Do this after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; after close physical contact with anyone who is unwell; after using the toilet; before and after eating; before, during and after preparing food; and after feeding or touching a pet.