I’ve been struggling to find the words to really express how I’ve been feeling lately. We have received a tremendous amount of information these past few weeks, which is exacerbated by the fact that the information is changing every few days and is different in every state. Not to mention the multitude of misinformation floating around too, making this confusing time even more overwhelming. I’m feeling it, and I know a lot of other people are too, so to simplify things for all of us, I’m creating a current (as of 6 pm Monday 6th April) COVID-19 fact sheet for New South Wales.
Statistics:
There are currently 5795 confirmed cases in Australia, 2637 of them in NSW, and there have been 39 fatalities.
What you need to know:
Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly.
People with coronavirus may experience:
fever
symptoms such as coughing, a sore throat and fatigue
shortness of breath
If you are concerned, call the coronavirus hotline for information on how to safely seek medical attention on 1800 020 080.Fact-checker:
There are a lot of “facts” about coronavirus floating around, so let’s find out what is true and what is not.
Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees DOES NOT prevent coronavirus.
You can recover from coronavirus. Catching coronavirus DOES NOT mean you will have it for life.
Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
Taking a hot bath DOES NOT prevent the new coronavirus disease.
Coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
Thermal scanners ARE effective in detecting people infected with the coronavirus.
Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body DOES NOT kill coronavirus.
Vaccines against pneumonia DO NOT protect you against coronavirus.
Antibiotics ARE NOT effective in preventing and treating coronavirus.
There are currently no known medicines to prevent or treat coronavirus.
What are the lockdown rules and regulations?
NSW Minister of Health and Medical Research, Brad Hazzard has stated that a person must not, without reasonable excuse, leave their place of residence. We must also not gather in groups of more than two people unless they are members of our household, we are at work, or if the gathering is considered an essential gathering. In saying that, what is a reasonable excuse and what are essential gatherings? Reasonable Excuses
Getting items for your household, pets and for vulnerable people you don’t live with.
Going to and from work/school/childcare/other educational institution if you can’t do that from home.
For exercising. This includes taking your dog for a walk, but you may not stop and sit down anywhere when you are outside! You are also allowed to travel a short distance to exercise, but not hours out of the city.
To go to the doctor/ pharmacy/ blood donation centre/another healthcare facility.
To attend a wedding or a funeral, as long as there are no more than 5 people at the wedding or 10 people at the funeral.
Moving to a new house or business or for an inspection.
Providing care or assistance (including personal care) to a vulnerable person or providing emergency assistance. Since the initial announcement, it has been clarified that visiting your partner falls under this exemption.
Undertaking any legal obligations.
Accessing public services e.g. social services, employment services, domestic violence services, mental health services and services provided to victims.
Avoiding injury or illness or to escape the risk of harm.
For emergencies or compassionate reasons.
Essential Gatherings
At an airport so as to continue the normal business of the airport
For transportation, including in vehicles or at stations, platforms stop or other public transportation facilities.
At a hospital or other medical/ health service facility that is necessary for the normal business of the facility.
For the purpose of emergency services.
At a prison, correctional facility, youth justice centre or other places of custody.
At a disability or aged care facility.
At a court or tribunal.
At Parliament for the purpose of its normal operations.
At a supermarket, a market that predominately sells food, grocery store, retail store or shopping centre (but not a retail store in a shopping centre).
At an office building, farm, factory, warehouse, mining or construction site.
At a school/university/other educational institution/childcare facility. But does not include a school event that involves members of the community in addition to staff and students.
At an outdoor space where 2 or more persons may be present for the purposes of transiting through the place.
With the Easter long weekend coming up this weekend, the government has outlined that taking a holiday in a regional area is not a reasonable excuse. There will be extra police out and about who are able to pull people over and ask where they’re going and will be issuing fines if you don’t have a reasonable excuse!
They have also said that social visits are not allowed, even if it is just you and another person. The only time you can visit a family member or friend is if you are caring for them, delivering them food, assisting with medication, taking them to the shops if they require assistance etc. or if they’re your partner.
This is a really difficult time for everyone, whether it’s because you are self-isolating and feeling lonely, or your work is still operating and you’re feeling over-worked and exhausted, or whether you’re sitting somewhere in between and just can’t seem to shake that feeling.
If you are struggling, please reach out. There are resources, like Lifeline available to help you. Their number is 13 11 14.
We will get through this together. Stay home and stay safe! XxBlog by Emily Murphy