​Covid -19/ Coronavirus  is all our responsibility ​

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In these troubling times of information overload we do not intend, nor should we duplicate or replace the more official channels of information sharing. As we know the information shifts on a daily basis as we progress through this situation. Please stay informed and be safe. Importantly avoid the scaremongers and focus on the caremongers

Here are some  links to useful information on this important issue.

• For national updates head to health.gov.au
• Local updates and information can be found at sahealth.sa.gov.au/covid2019 . 
• To check symptoms visit healthdirect.gov.au
• To find out the latest travel advice check out smartraveller.gov.au
• For general questions call the Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080
• ​Online help from the e-safety commissioner here

​Global Centre for Modern Ageing
Modern Ageing Portal to help older people stay healthy, connected and active With social distancing continuing to have a significant impact despite the easing of restrictions in some areas and jurisdictions, the Global Centre for Modern Ageing has launched an information portal (gcma.net.au/portal) filled with tips and links to help older people to stay healthy, connected and active.
Dubbed the “Modern Ageing Portal”, our online resource aims to help older people cut through the noise and serves as a one stop shop to find trusted information during the COVID-19 restrictions and beyond.

Watch video here

City of Marion Talking points sets out their response to Covid-19  See also their website https://www.marion.sa.gov.au/about-council/coronavirus
Thanks to our local Councillor Tim Gard for providing  this information

City of Holdfast Bay from their website  https://www.holdfast.sa.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information

Useful contact details:
 
The following are possible contacts that you may find useful to use our share with a neighbour in need

• Police for emergency;                             000 
• Police non urgent matters                    131 444 
• SA Ambulance for emergency             000
• State Government Covid hot line        1800 253 787
• Life line                                                        131114
• Beyond Blue                                              1300 224 636
• Coles home delivery                                1800 455 400
• Woolworths Brighton                             8215 6938
• Brighton Foodland                                   8296 2066
• Brighton Terry White Pharmacy           8296 7953

What can you do personally? 
Physical health hygiene To help do your part to protect against infection and prevent the virus spreading please continue to listen to the advice of health authorities. Please  practise good hygiene. This includes:

• maintain good social distancing  practices 
• covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• disposing of tissues properly
• washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet
• using alcohol-based hand sanitisers
• cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
• if you are sick, avoiding contact with others and staying more than 1.5 metres away from people
• cleaning and sanitising frequently used objects such as mobiles, keys and wallets.

Read more about protective measures against coronavirus on the World Health Organization website.

Mental health hygiene is incredibly important
 
Going into a period of social distancing, self-isolation and restricted facilities may feel daunting or overwhelming, and can contribute to feelings of helplessness and fear. Please be mindful of the following

• Perspective – try to see this time as unique and different, not necessarily bad, even if it something you didn’t necessarily choose
• Connection – think of creative ways to stay connected positively with others, including social media, email and phone
• Be generous to others – giving to others in times of need not only helps the recipient, it enhances your well being too. Is there a way to help others around you?
• Stay connected with your values. Don’t let fear or anxiety drive your interactions with others. We are all in this together!
• Daily routine – create a routine that prioritises things you enjoy and even things you have been meaning to do but haven’t had enough time. Read that book, watch that show, take up that new hobby.
• Try to see this as a new and unusual period that might even have some benefits.
• Limit your exposure to news and media. Perhaps choose specific times of day when you will get updates, and ensure they are from reputable and reliable sources.

If you or someone you know is struggling and needs professional help  we recommend Beyond Blue  or Lifeline

Supporting your community?
As connection is so important during this time, here are some tips on staying connected to others during this time. Remember – we are all in this together. Don’t underestimate the power of a smile or kind gesture for those you do see to provide hope and normality.

The association has set up a simple framework for how you can safely help your neighbours during this difficult time with our Kind Neighbour Program see here
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Use of established social media platforms like Facebook , Neighbour Day  and Next Door  are good sites for local connections and information. Please be careful on Facebook feeds, as not all are factually correct or helpful. There are however some very funny features as it is very important that we maintain both our humanity and our humor during these tricky times.

There are many platforms that allow you to video call your family and friends, like Whatsapp, Facetime, Facebook messenger, Zoom etc. No need to be lonely some people are having virtual gatherings and meals together on line. Something to think about.   

Online help from the e-safety commissioner here

Supporting Local businesses 

There’s no doubt that businesses, particularly small ones, are going to be suffering at this time. Where possible please continue to sensibly support local businesses in these challenging times. 

Importantly limit you need to visit them and when shopping be kind to the staff, other customers and please do not over buy. Australia has enough supplies for 3 Australia’s so be patient, the lack is more about distribution and ability to restock.

There are many business offering delivery services  in our area so please make use of them as it spreads the load of in-business gatherings and demands.

If you or someone you know has a business which is struggling, you can get more advice at www.business.sa.gov.au. This website contains a whole suite of useful information covering available grants and loans, access to the instant tax write off program, support for employing apprentices and much more. 
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