With community transmission of Coronavirus reoccurring in Victoria, the Premier announced earlier today that the state will enter into a five-day “short, sharp circuit-breaker” stage-4 lockdown, effective midnight tonight (Friday) until midnight on Wednesday 17th February.
It is essential to continue receiving in-home care services during this time: Care Connect continues to remain focused on safely delivering services with minimal disruption. We work closely with care providers to ensure that CovidSafe practices are in place, and follow the guidelines of the Commonwealth and Victorian health authorities, so that our clients can continue to live safely and happily at home.
Lockdown restrictions and rules:
For more details about lockdown restrictions and rules, please click here.
High-risk exposure site:
Of recent concern for authorities is the high-risk exposure area of Brunetti Café in Melbourne Airport’s Terminal 4, where close to 30 flights arrived and departed to various Australian locations during the 4:45am to 1:15pm window on Tuesday 9th February.
This is now a Tier 1 exposure site which means that everyone who was at the airport between 4:45am and 2:00pm on 9th February must be tested, and quarantine for 14 days.
Staying well:
The Coronavirus pandemic has greatly changed the way we live. To help keep us safe, our lives will be different for a while and, when we aren’t able to see our friends and family regularly, it can be harder to keep on top of how we’re feeling.
Being aware of how you’re feeling and knowing what you can do to look after your mental and physical wellbeing is an important part of staying healthy during this challenging time.
The Department of Health has further information, guidance and tips on how you can stay well during the lockdown. Please click here.
Important reminders:
Whilst the wearing of a mask is a good additional precaution against COVID-19, you must follow the lockdown guidelines and continue to practice good hygiene and social distancing, avoid unnecessary travel and isolate if you have been asked to, if you feel unwell, or are awaiting test results.
Please also ask screening questions, and only allow someone into your home if the answer to all of the questions is ‘NO’. “Have you or someone else in your home”:
- Been diagnosed with Coronavirus or is suspected of having Coronavirus?
- Had close contact with someone diagnosed with Coronavirus or who is suspected to have Coronavirus in the last 14 days?
- Been to Melbourne Airport’s Brunetti Café or any of the ‘COVID Case Locations’ listed in the DHHS website (during the time and date indicated)? For updated details of locations, visit the Department of Health website by clicking here.
- Been advised by a healthcare professional to undertake mandatory isolation?
- Felt unwell or had any symptoms of illness within the last 7 days?
If you experience even the mildest symptoms, we encourage you to get tested. For up to date information about testing centres in Victoria, please visit the Department of Health website by clicking here or, call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
Stay informed:
It’s important to stay up-to-date with the facts, but constantly tuning in to news about the Coronavirus pandemic can be overwhelming and confusing.
Remember also that incorrect information is easily shared, particularly via social media. We encourage you to get your updates from trusted sources, such as government websites such as health.gov.au, by tuning in to ABC radio, or visiting the ABC News website: www.abc.net.au/news.
Stay connected:
The guidance around Coronavirus restrictions is constantly changing, but you can rest assured that we keep up to date with developments, and implement practices that ensure the safe delivery of your care.