Police are urging residents to make use of the Police Assistance Line as a number of police stations in the Central Goldfields and Loddon shires remain closed to the public due to COVID-19.

The closures apply to all non-24-hour police stations while 24-hour stations, including Maryborough, are closed to the public for non-urgent enquiries.

Maryborough Police Acting Senior Sergeant Frank Docherty said while the stations are still manned by police members, they’ve been closed to the public since the start of August in line with the latest government restrictions.

“The stations are closed to the public to stop unnecessary face-to-face contacts and risk of transmission in line with the Chief Health Officer’s guidelines,” he said.

“But they will continue their service delivery to their community.

“All 24-hour police stations are closed to the public for all non-urgent enquiries.

“If anyone attends the Maryborough Police Station, they will need to use the intercom located just inside the doors at the station and will then be asked the reason for their attendance.

“If the matter is urgent then they will be assisted by the police on duty at the station.

“If the matter is non-urgent, they will be advised of their options.”

Act Sen Sgt Docherty thanked the community for their work in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

“Thank you to the Central Goldfields community for their support and response during these testing times with restrictions in place to slow the spread of coronavirus,” he said.

For non-urgent enquiries residents can contact the Police Assistance Line 131 444 or report online at www.police.vic.gov.au.

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).