News

Living the 'new normal'

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 08:37:00

LOCAL residents are being urged to learn to live a “new normal” under COVID-19, with Mallee Track Health and Community Service encouraging people to take practical action to avoid infection.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is not over which means we have to get used to living our lives with the possibility of COVID-19 being in our communities,” MTHCS Chief Executive Officer Lois O’Callaghan said.
“These are the things we can all do to keep ourselves and our communities safe: practice good hand hygiene; maintain physical distancing (1.5metres apart); if you feel unwell, stay home and if you develop flu-like symptoms, get tested for COVID-19; and download the COVIDSAFE app.”
Ms O’Callaghan said a confirmed COVID-19 case had not yet occurred in the Mallee Track catchment, but everyone should remain vigilant and protect their health and safety.
“As restrictions are reviewed with a view to easing them it is expected that there will be continued outbreaks and we don’t want any of them to be in our region if we can avoid it,” she said.
“We all have to take this pandemic seriously and understand that as small, rural communities, we are vulnerable and an outbreak will affect us all.
“We have to take responsibility and accountability for our actions and behaviours, and we also need to know the symptoms, know what to do, and know to encourage those we love and care about to Get Tested and Stay At Home.”
Ms O’Callaghan said anyone with symptoms, no matter how mild, should get tested at and stay home until their results are confirmed. The symptoms are fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of sense of smell or taste
“People in our communities are definitely doing the right thing and getting tested for COVID-19 when they have flu-like symptoms, but being tested doesn’t mean the person or their community has any protection from COVID-19,” she explained.
“Once you have been tested, stay home for the next two or three days until you get the result. It’s a simple thing to do but it could save us from an outbreak.”
While some local community groups and volunteer networks are increasingly keen to resume their activities, Ms O’Callaghan said the return of MTHCS social support groups and volunteer activities was being planned carefully.
“Whether it’s making sure hand sanitizer is easily accessible, or ensuring it is possible to maintain social distancing, there are a lot of things to consider,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“We are spending time with people in our local communities to help everyone understand the risks of COVID-19 infection and what actions we can all take to slow the spread of this highly contagious virus.”