Coronavirus (COVID-19)

If you need to throw away used face coverings or PPE, such as gloves:

• Dispose of them in your regular waste bin at home or at work, or a litter bin if you’re outside
• Do not put them in a recycling bin as they cannot be recycled through conventional recycling facilities

You do not need to:

• Put them in an extra bag
• Store them for a time before throwing them away

If you or a member of your household is self-isolating at home, follow the stay at home guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services.

To dispose of any face coverings or PPE you or members of your household use when self- isolating, you should:

• Double bag them
• Store them for 72 hours before putting them in a regular waste bin

Do not put them in a recycling bin.

Remove PPE carefully, and avoid touching the inside of your face covering.

After you remove your PPE or face covering, wash your hands or use hand sanitiser.

Remove PPE carefully, and avoid touching the inside of your face covering.

After you remove your PPE or face covering, wash your hands or use hand sanitiser.

Reusable, washable cloths, PPE and covers should be washed in a regular cycle wash using the warmest possible setting with normal washing detergent. Avoid shaking out the items before placing in the washing machine.

Reusable, non-washable PPE such as eye protection, should be wiped clean with a detergent solution first, then wiped over with a disinfectant, and left to air dry. Smearing or residues might result, and this can be cleaned off by using more detergent solution and rinsing clean only after the disinfectant has dried.

The State Government's Coronavirus website features resources that can assist businesses in setting up COVIDsafe workplaces.

The following fact sheets may also assist:

• Creating a COVIDsafe workplace
• What to do if a worker is unwell
• What to do if a worker tests positive to COVID-19

Gannawarra Shire Council understands the tough circumstances our local businesses find themselves in at this time.

We would like to offer our support and assistance to navigate through the various support packages and government assistance that is currently on offer.

If you would like any assistance or would just like to talk through your current circumstances do not hesitate to contact our Business Liaison Officer, Scott Wishart on (03) 5450 9333.

Resources and support

The Business Victoria website contains the information on business support and is update as new information becomes available. Information is also available by phoning the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15 for assistance. https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/

Assistance and resources available at this time include:

• Business Victoria Concierge Service
• Business Victoria Business Continuity Planning guidance
• Business Victoria business recovery and resilience monitoring
• Business Victoria Upskill My Business program
• Business Victoria Wellbeing and Mental Health Support for Victorian Small Businesses
• Australian Taxation Office COVID-19 portal
• Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry COVID-19 portal
• Victorian Small Business Commission COVID-19 portal
• Fair Work Ombudsman COVID-19 portal
• Safe Work Australia information regarding how to keep your workplace safe at this time 

There are many resources available for individuals seeking support at this time. These resources include:

Local Services and Support

For information on how to access essential services and support, please refer to this informative summary provided by Northern District Community Health by clicking here (click across to view the whole list of services and support).

Financial Support

• The Services Australia website, which details financial and support services available;
• The Money Smart website, which features a dedicated section to financial steps you can take to look after yourself and your money at this time;
• The National Debt Hotline (1800 007 007) and website features a range of information relating to assistance available; and
• The No Interest Loan Scheme, which provide individuals and families on low incomes with access to safe, fair and affordable credit. For more information, phone the COVID Hardship Support Hotline (1300 121 130)

Relief Support

Relief Support is support that is available for residents who are required to isolate at home as a result of COVID-19 and who do not have access to support networks to access food and other essential support. This includes people who have contracted COVID-19, close contacts, secondary contacts, those awaiting test results and otherwise isolating in line with a public health direction. Support available may include food, material aid, healthcare items, personal support, financial aid, and/or other practical support.

For relief support assistance can be accessed by phoning the Victorian government’s Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or Council’s Community Recovery team on 5450 9333. Local neighbourhood houses are also able to assist.

Fur further information regarding relief support please visit the Victorian Coronavirus website at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/isolation-and-quarantine-extra-help-and-support

Lifeline Central Vic & Mallee

Lifeline Central Vic & Mallee is a service dedicated to supporting our region in their darkest moments, to ensure they are not facing them alone. They provide connections and support to empower people who are struggling with their mental health, so they can help create a suicide-free Australia. 

People can access Lifeline online at www.lifelinecvm.org.au or by calling 13 11 14. 

Council has developed a FAQ guide for food businesses. 

Many people who contract COVID–19 will suffer only mild symptoms. However early indications are that the elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions are more at risk of experiencing severe symptoms. 

The most common coronavirus symptoms reported include:

• Fever
• Breathing difficulties such as breathlessness
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue or tiredness

If you have travelled overseas or have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 you are are at highest risk of infection.

Many people will suffer only mild symptoms, however, early indications are that the elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart and lung disease are more at risk of experiencing severe symptoms.

Residents can reduce the risk of Coronavirus by using good hygiene measures. This includes:

• Washing hands often with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds;
• Trying not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth;
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow;
• Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication, ensure you have adequate supplies;
• Phone your GP first if you need medical attention;
• Continue healthy habits, such as exercising, drinking water and getting plenty of sleep;
• Buying and using alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol; and
• Getting the flu shot.

Northern District Community Health is coordinating a COVID-19 Screening and Assessment Clinic. Details are available by clicking here(PDF, 209KB).  

The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website also has information regarding COVID-19 Screening and Assessment Clinics throughout the State.

If you are uncertain whether you need to be tested, please visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Service's COVID-19 self assessment web page. 

If you live in a remote or regional part of Victoria and cannot leave home to attend a testing site, you should contact your GP, community health service or local hospital for assistance and to discuss options available to you.

For Victorian updates, please visit the Department of Health and Human Services or Better Health Channel websites.

For Australian updates, please visit the Federal Department of Health website.

For International updates, please visit the World Health Organisation website.

Northern District Community Health has developed a fact sheet identifying local support services within the Gannawarra and northern Loddon areas.

Resilient Youth Australia has developed a fact sheet - Supporting our Children and Adolescents during home-based isolation - that can assist at this time.

Headspace has developed a fact sheet - Balancing online schooling and working from home - that can assist students currently learning from home.

The MyWarra website has a range of resources for young people about Coronavirus.

Australian Red Cross has developed COVID Connect, a free service to provide support and community connection to people who are feeling socially isolated as a result of COVID-19.

The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website has resources regarding mental health during the Coronavirus pandemic. Further information is also available on the Mental Health Foundation of Australia website.

If you or someone you know needs extra support during this period, please make contact with the relevant services below:

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

Life Line - 13 11 14

Headspace (12-25 years) - 1800 650 890

Kid Help Line - 1800 55 1800

Men’s Helpline - 1300 78 99 78

1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732 (Family violence information is also available on the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website.

Other contact details are listed on the Wellbeing Matters in the Gannawarra poster.