There have been major disruptions to businesses, services and facilities in the Local Government Area. Many of council's services and facilities have been closed and/or are operating with modifications and limitations. The health of our staff and residents remains our number one priority.

The council website has a dedicated page outlining all COVID-19-related disruptions to services. It is regularly updated, easy to follow and colour-coded. It lists what is open, what is closed and what is operating with restrictions.

We all have an important part to play in slowing the spread of coronavirus and protecting the more vulnerable members of our community. Firstly, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for continuing to adhere to the Federal and State Government's guidelines on social distancing, self-isolation and hygiene. There is a long way to go in this fight but I want to thank Yass valley residents for listening to the experts and doing the right thing. You are saving lives and you are helping to flatten the curve.

We need to keep listening to our Prime Minister and our Premier, and Council urges all Yass valley residents to heed the call to stay at home this Easter. Do not travel, do not gather in groups, and do not leave your home unless it is absolutely essential to do so.

Yass valley is a wonderful place to visit but we also reiterate the advice of our Federal and State Governments: do not come here and do not visit us this Easter. We look forward to welcoming you all back to our beautiful region when it is safe for us to do so.

Council recognises this rapidly changing situation has already had enormous impacts on our livelihoods. Small businesses in the Yass valley have had to close their doors, others are scrambling to still operate under new restrictions and parents are juggling work from home while caring for their children. Council encourages you to keep supporting small businesses in our local area as they all try to adjust to a new way of life that looks vastly different for us all.

Council is working very hard behind the scenes to find ways to best support our residents through this unprecedented time. We are putting together a Hardship Policy and we continue to look at ways for council to help lessen the financial burden being faced by so many in our community right now.

Council is also working closely with members of our police and grassroots community groups to ensure those most vulnerable members of our community can access the vital help and assistance they need, of course at a safe distance.

Lastly, I would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all the health care workers, Police, emergency workers and essential workers at the frontline of this crisis. Thank you for keeping our community safe and our society still functioning.

It is vital we do not let the virus push us apart. We are all in this together. We will get through this together. Stay safe and stay well.