Sheed excludes herself from sitting week as COVID-19 precaution

Independent Member for the Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has excluded herself from the Victorian Parliamentary sitting week as a precaution against the risk posed by COVID-19.

“I do not take this step lightly,” Ms Sheed said.

“Due to my age – I am in my mid-60s – and an immune-suppressant medication prescription, I am in a high-risk category should I contract coronavirus. My husband is also high-risk and at this time I am taking every precaution to limit our exposure to the virus.

“My office will be operating with all the necessary precautions unless we are instructed otherwise by the Legislative Assembly Speaker Colin Brooks. Anyone with inquiries regarding the state government’s response to COVID-19 or any other state government matter is welcome to contact the office.

“We have been working hard to reach out to various community organisation, particularly those dealing with vulnerable people, to see if we can assist or pass on any relevant information to the government.”

Ms Sheed called on the community to be particularly mindful of the medical expert evidence regarding COVID-19.

“Fortunately for many people the experts are telling us symptoms will be mild. However, for around 20 per cent of the community this reportedly will not be the case and for around two to three per cent the outcome can be deadly,” Ms Sheed said.

“We are taking disruptive measures such as closing concerts and sporting events and the list is increasing regularly, to protect those who are vulnerable to the virus.”

Without continued containment measures the Victorian health system runs the risk of being overwhelmed, according to Ms Sheed.

“Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton has indicated there will be further measures. It is likely the school holidays will be extended, and many businesses have already decided to have their employees work from home,” she said.

“All of these measures are designed to slow the rate of infection spread and relieve pressure on our health system. The longer we can spread out the rate of infection, the better our hospitals and frontline health workers will be able to cope.

“I encourage everyone to continue to listen to experts such as Dr Sutton and to obey the rules set down. If you are vulnerable, take extra precautions and for those with friends and family who are vulnerable, take extra precautions for them.”

ENDS

Media contact

Myles Peterson 0467 035 840│myles.peterson@parliament.com.au

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