Lockdown results in cancellation of Santa’s Boulevard

CANCELLED: A statement released by Mayor Lynette Martin has outlined Santa's Boulevard, scheduled for this weekend, has been cancelled due to the state-wide lockdown.

MOUNT Gambier City Council has announced Santa’s Boulevard will not be going ahead due to a strict statewide lockdown.

Mayor Lynette Martin released a COVID-19 SA lockdown statement this afternoon which outlined the anticipated festive celebration would not be going ahead.

Mayor Martin said although it may disappoint children in the community, restrictions meant Santa was not able to visit the Blue Lake City this weekend.

Santa’s appearance will be re-scheduled as soon as it is considered safe to do so.

The news follows a State Government announcement today that South Australia is to enter a full lockdown from midnight tonight for the next six days as a result of an outbreak of COVID-19 in Adelaide.

Mayor Martin encouraged the public not to panic.

“Whilst this seems an extreme course of action for Mount Gambier, I fully support the State Government’s decision which is implemented with an abundance of caution to protect our community,” she said.

“I know six days may seem a long time, but this is an important measure to take now to stop the spread of the virus and to keep our community safe.

“In the meantime, please stay calm, stay safe, and take care of each other. I cannot stress enough the importance of following the directions provided by SA Health and the government as we work together through these unpredictable times.”

From midnight tonight for at least the next six days, schools and childcares across the state will only be open for children of essential workers and vulnerable children.

Only one member from each household will be able leave once a day to access groceries.

Universities, takeaway food, pubs, cafes, coffee shops and food courts, open inspections and auctions, outdoor sport and activity, elective surgery except for urgent operations and cancer treatment and regional travel will be closed for the duration of the lockdown.

Aged care and disability residential care will be in lock down, while factories other than food production and medical products will be closed except for where it is necessary for them to remain open to prevent damage to machinery.

The construction industry will be closed for six days, while weddings and funerals will be banned for six days.

Masks will be compulsory in all areas outside the home.

Medical, including mental health supplies, will be open.