I write on this first anniversary of the election of the Morrison Liberal Government to provide you with a further update on how our government is supporting all Australians as we focus on unlocking our economy whilst keeping our community “Covid19 Safe.”
After the devastating drought and the Black Summer bushfires, it is difficult to comprehend the scale of what we are now dealing with as a nation.
Economic and health response
With Treasury forecasting a significant rise in unemployment to around 10 per cent, our government is delivering some $320 billion to provide the economic lifeline Australians need to get through the Coronavirus pandemic.
Whether it’s our massive investment in JobKeeper which has kept millions of Australians in jobs, the doubling of JobSeeker or the additional support we are providing to aged care homes, mental health services or domestic violence resources, we stand with you shoulder to shoulder.
Easing of Victorian restrictions
The stay-at-home restrictions and remote schooling arrangements have been very tough for so many families. The prohibition on home visits meant that Mother’s Day was particularly hard.
Whilst it has taken longer than expected, I am pleased that restrictions in Victoria are now easing including allowing up to five visitors at home and a return to school plan. On 1 June, up to 20 patrons will be able to dine at cafes, restaurants and hotel dining rooms. The latest list of restrictions can be found on the Victorian Government’s website.
COVIDSafe app
If you haven’t done so, please download the COVIDSafe voluntary contact tracing app which will help save lives, including our frontline health workers.
In this together
Please scroll down for an update on all the latest news including our government’s economic measures, critically important health advice and information about support for people and families.
As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if ever I can be of assistance. We are in this together.
Best wishes
Sarah Henderson
Liberal Senator for Victoria
Maintaining good mental health during this time of great change is really important for our wellbeing.
NEWS
Restrictions
A national three step plan to relax coronavirus restrictions has been announced, with states and territories to decide when each step will be implemented locally.
COVIDSafe
The COVIDSafe app speeds up contacting people exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). This helps health officials support and protect you, your friends and family. The app is now available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance is now available to support individuals, households and businesses.
Physical distancing
Physical distancing measures are still in place across Australia, however, some states are revising restrictions on public gatherings. Check state and territory websites for the rules where you live.
Safe work
Safe Work Australia has developed a website with guidelines and information across 23 industries so that businesses can return to work in a COVID safe environment.
Trans-Tasman travel
Australia and New Zealand are committed to introducing a trans-Tasman COVID-safe travel zone as soon as it is safe to do so.
Mental health
Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing during Coronavirus is important and support is available. For personal crisis and mental health support services you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 at any time.
More? Read → aus.gov.au/news
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
– coughing
– fatigue
– fever
– shortness of breath
– sore throat
Online symptom checker
You can also use the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptom checker → aus.gov.au/symptom-checker
Have symptoms?
If you are sick & think you have symptoms, book an appointment to seek medical advice. Find your nearest health centre → aus.gov.au/health-services
The doctor will tell you if you should be tested. They will arrange for a test if needed.
Self isolating?
If you are in self-isolation because you are confirmed or suspected to have Coronavirus (COVID-19), or have been in close contact with a confirmed case, use this form to help us track the spread of the virus → aus.gov.au/covid-form
If you are having a medical emergency call 000.
PROTECT YOURSELF & OTHERS
Everyone MUST practice good hygiene
It protects against infection & prevents the virus spreading.
🤧 Cover your coughs & sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
Put used tissues straight into the bin
🧼 Wash your hands often with soap & water (including before & after eating & after going to the toilet)
Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers
Avoid touching your eyes, nose & mouth
You MUST also practice:
– Social distancing → aus.gov.au/social-distancing
– Limits on public gatherings → aus.gov.au/public-gatherings
– Self-isolation (self-quarantine) → aus.gov.au/self-isolation (where necessary)
Cleaning
🧹 Clean & disinfect frequently used surfaces such as benchtops, desks & doorknobs
Clean & disinfect frequently used objects such as mobile phones, keys, wallets & work passes
🌬 Increase fresh air available by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE & FAMILIES
If you’re affected by coronavirus, Services Australia can help with information and services for:
Carers → aus.gov.au/carers
Families → aus.gov.au/families
Indigenous Australians → aus.gov.au/indigenous
Job seekers → aus.gov.au/job-seekers
Older Australians → aus.gov.au/older-australians
People with disability → aus.gov.au/disability
Rural and remote residents → aus.gov.au/rural-remote
Students and trainees → aus.gov.au/students-trainees
If you haven’t received a payment → aus.gov.au/you-dont-receive-payment
Mental health and other support
Get support and advice for:
Mental health → aus.gov.au/headtohealth
Family and domestic violence → aus.gov.au/family-domestic-violence
SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES
If your business has been significantly impacted by Coronavirus find out how to access the JobKeeper payment. → aus.gov.au/jobkeeper
If you need support for your business and employees, you can find information including financial assistance, eligibility & timing for government support by going to: aus.gov.au/support-for-business
TRAVEL
International
An international travel ban is in place for all Australians.
All travellers to Australia or Australians returning from overseas are required to quarantine for 14 days in a hotel or designated facility.
🦘 Within Australia
Only essential travel within Australia should occur at this time. TAS, NT, WA, QLD & SA border closures. Anyone entering these states or territories are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Self-isolating?
For information on how to self-isolate (self-quarantine) go to → aus.gov.au/self-isolation
STAY INFORMED
For more details on restrictions in Victoria, see the Victorian Government’s website.
Via the official Coronavirus app on your AppStore: https://apps.apple.com/au/story/id1504899584
Via whatsapp Download whatsapp and go to https://aus.gov.au/whatsapp
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth explains how the COVIDSafe app works and why it is important to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
This Department of Health infographic presents an overview of the current Coronavirus situation in Australia.