Port Macquarie Hastings-Council is set to make a decision on whether to postpone a visit to Handa, Japan in light of the coronavirus.
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The visit by councillors and Mayor Peta Pinson was scheduled in April to mark 30th Anniversary of the Sister City relationship.
However according to the March 18 Port Macquarie-Hastings Council meeting agenda, given the international spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and following consultation and communication with Handa City, it is now recommended the visit be postponed.
"Council staff will continue to liaise with Handa City and Handa International Association staff on the potential future timing of the visit to Handa and reciprocal visit by Handa officials to Port Macquarie," the agenda papers outlined.
"As of March 8, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have recommended travellers 'exercise a high degree of caution in Japan overall due to heightened risk of sustained local transmission of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
"Recent consultation with Handa City officials also indicated support for postponing the visit. Noting the risk and Handa City's concurrence, it is recommended that the visit be postponed."
At the February 18 council meeting councillors voted for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayor Peta Pinson, along with up to two other councillors to travel to Handa from April 17-21.
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