By Laura Michell
Whittlesea and Hume councils have suspended a number of council-run events in a bid to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Whittlesea council announced yesterday that it had chosen to cancel events that will draw large crowds, such as its farmers market, having already cancelled its annual community festival on March 15.
In a statement, the council said its decision was in line with advice from the state government following the declaration of a state of emergency in Victoria and the banning of all non-essential gatherings and events of 500 people or more.
“We are also assessing whether other gatherings and events that operate in our city are in the best interest of the community in stopping the spread of coronavirus,” the statement said.
Hume council this afternoon announced it had decided to cancel all council-run events for the foreseeable future.
Cancelled events include next month’s Broadmeadows Street Festival and Anzac Day services.
The council has also suspended library programs and school holiday sessions at the Broadmeadows, Craigieburn and Sunbury libraries, while the Gladstone Park and Tullamarine libraries and the mobile library will be closed from 5pm today.
Senior Centres at Broadmeadows, Gladstone Park and Sunbury have also been closed, while supported playgroups have been suspended until after Easter.
In a statement, the council said the health and wellbeing of the community was its top priority.
“We are closely monitoring the situation regarding coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and following advice from the Victorian Government,” the statement said.
“Council has made the decision to close or reduce some services.”
