Published on Thursday, 3 March 2022 at 8:58:06 AM
The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley would like to confirm to residents that the first case of Covid-19 has been detected in our region; a person in Fitzroy Crossing who is now isolating.
In the two years since this virus changed our world forever our Shire has had the enormous good fortune to be spared the worst ravages of the pandemic.
Our natural geographic isolation and strong public health measures, at a local, state and federal level, have meant we have been able to shield our community from this terrible disease. This has also afforded us time to carefully plan for the eventual arrival of Covid-19 into the west Kimberley.
Now, it is finally on our doorstep and relevant agencies are swinging into action after hundreds of hours of planning.
“Although we would all wish to never have to face Covid-19, it has now arrived in our home and we must face it calmly and united as a community,” said Shire of Derby/West Kimberley President Geoff Haerewa.
“I would urge all residents to follow every directive from the relevant health bodies in their town, and to take every precaution possible to limit the spread of the virus,”
“It is our duty to protect the most vulnerable members of our community in the West Kimberley – including our elders, the immuno-compromised, pregnant women and those who, for medical reasons, are unable to be vaccinated.”
The Shire is in constant communication with specialist Covid teams at WACHS and local Aboriginal health bodies (including KAMS, DAHS and Nidilingarri), and will be following their lead and expertise in the days and months ahead.
“We have been preparing for this day for two years, we are ready to handle whatever Covid throws our way,” said Haerewa.
“I know how strong the people of the West Kimberley are, and I know how much they love their families and community. At this time I ask all of you to follow the rules that will protect our home and unique way of life. We’ve got this.”
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