Access to Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange’s weekly sales will be limited to buyers and stock agents as measures are taken to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Horsham Rural City Council  Infrastructure Director John Martin said to ensure that sales could continue, council needed to limit the attendance by non-essential people at the site.

“Council sees the Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange as a critical service to continue during the COVID-19 emergency, to help ensure food security,” Mr Martin said.

“Access during the sale will be restricted to agents, buyers, transport operators and Council staff. The general public will not be able to attend, even if they are sellers at the sale.

“We are conscious that many regular attendees are in an age bracket that is potentially more vulnerable to the virus, and are taking this measure as a means of ensuring continuity of the sales.

Wednesday’s sheep and lamb sale will start at the regular time of 9.30am.

The council is preparing for future changes to the pandemic and will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as changes occur.

Council is reviewing and adjusting provision of all of its services with a particular focus on public-facing roles and Council-run events with a view to supporting health authorities as they seek to limit spread of the virus.