Corona outbreak closes local pools, sports centres

By Melissa Meehan

Knox City Council will temporarily close a number of Council operated facilities from public access following the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The following facilities will be closed to the public from 5pm, Thursday 19 March:
  • Knox Civic Centre Customer Service Counter
  • Knox Regional Netball Centre
  • Knox Community Arts Centre
  • Ferntree Gully Arts Centre
  • Carrington Park Leisure Centre
  • Rowville Community Centre

Libraries in Knox will also close from the end of their usual opening times on Friday.

Mayor Nicole Seymour said the closures would be in effect until further notice.

“This decision was not taken lightly but evidence overwhelmingly supports a proactive approach,” Cr Seymour said.

“We are monitoring the situation and taking any necessary actions based on DHHS advice and risk assessments.”

Mayor Seymour says there are no known confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) within the Knox community or of Council staff.

The temporary closure of facilities being a proactive measure of Council in the interests of broader community safety.

Essential services will continue, including 3YO preschool at the Rowville Community Centre.

Immunisation sessions are proceeding as scheduled.

Maternal and child health services continue to operate, with additional hygiene and safety measures to be introduced, including limiting the number of family members attending each appointment.

Monash City Council says, as of Thursday, all services and facilities (including libraries and aquatic centres) remain open.