The impact of the global coronavirus pandemic is being felt at a local level and our community of Newcastle will only get through this health crisis by working together.
We all need to practice good hygiene and social distancing measures including:
- covering our coughs and sneezes with our elbow or a tissue;
- avoiding handshaking and other physical greetings;
- washing our hands often with soap and water and/or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers;
- regularly disinfecting high touch surfaces, such as tables, kitchen benches and doorknobs; and
- if unwell, avoiding contact with others by staying more than 1.5 metres away.
In these uncertain times, it is essential you have access to information that is clear and consistent.
The following are official Government websites you can rely on:
- Health updates on coronavirus – www.health.gov.au and https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
- Health Information in languages other than English here.
- Information about the Government’s one-off stimulus payment here.
- Income support for people older than 21 and under the Age Pension age – JobSeeker Payment.
- Income support for people 21 and younger – Youth Allowance for Job Seekers.
- Advice for Australians overseas – Smartraveller & Consular Assistance.
- Information for temporary visa holders – Department of Home Affairs.
If you need someone to talk to, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Callback on 1300 659 467 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
You cannot always trust information you read on social media – including on Facebook pages and messages – or you receive via email or text messages.
Even if the information comes from people you know and trust, it does not make it true. You can only rely on official information.
In the coming weeks and months, there will be issues that emerge in our community that will need to be addressed by the Government and Labor remains committed to helping solve them.
Labor will continue to work constructively with the Government to protect Australian lives and jobs.