Dear Community Leaders
Across the world Coronavirus strain COVID-19 is creating uncertainties and impacting on our way of living in ways that we have never experienced before.
Governments are trying to find ways of supporting their residents while putting in place measures to control spread of COVID-19.
State, Territories, Federal Government, High Commissions and Embassies are trying to support their citizens at home and overseas.
COVID-19 has presented medical staff, researchers, administrators, businesses, service providers and public withĀ unprecedentedĀ challenges.Ā Furthermore, theĀ situation keeps changing, creating uncertainties and bringing up new challenges.
With bipartisan support, Governments have been proactive in putting out measures to protect citizens and keep the economy ticking.
The Indian High Commission has also put out an advisory to assist students and Indian nationals in Australia (see attached).
Now is notĀ the time to show heroism but to take a sensible, safe approach to daily activities and follow directives issued by authorities.Ā As a responsible and concernedĀ diaspora, let us:
- do the right thing by our family members, colleagues, neighbours, friends and society and work towards keeping Australia safe;
- support local businessesĀ and assist in keepingĀ the economy ticking;
- not engageĀ inĀ and discourageĀ panic buying;
- keep social distance of 1.5m;
- follow self-care and hygienic practices;
- avoid non-essential travel and gatherings;
- provide support to anyone who needs help;
- study the economic measures and avail them where required; and
- keep informed through reliable sources.
Get your information from trustworthy sources, such as ABC news radio and television,Ā www.health.gov.au,Ā https://www.health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/novel-coronavirus-covid-19, or Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080.
Seek medical attention if you develop a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath:
- within 14 days of overseas travel
- following contact with someone who has COVID-19
- if you are a health care worker with direct patient contact, ā even if you have not recently travelled or had contact with someone who has COVID-19
- call your GP
- visit the Walk-in centre (Weston Walk-In Centre 24 Parkinson St Weston; Drive-Through Centre EPIC Flemington)
- call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222
- in an emergency, call triple Zero (000)
I urge you to keep in touch with your members and constituents and assist and advise wherever necessary, and above all, please share this and other relevant information with your community and Committee members.
Regards and thanks
Dr Sunita S Dhindsa
President, FINACT
Mob: +61 403 113 007
Website:Ā finact.net.au
