Please see below our daily update on events cancelled in Lane Cove and other important Covid 19 news. If you have elderly or vulnerable people in the community who do not have access to social media then please ask them to sign up to our newsletter and we will provide information to them via our newsletter. Our newsletter is popular with this demographic. Sign Up here.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declared a Human Biosecurity Emergency. This may last up to six months.
Key Points Human Biosecurity Emergency
- Level 4 Travel Advisory – Do Not Go Overseas. The biggest risk we have had and the biggest incidents of cases we have had, has been from Australians returning from overseas.
- A ban on non-essential gatherings of persons 100 or greater in indoor areas. Outdoor areas it is 500 and indoor areas it is 100. That is effective now, as of today and those arrangements, in terms of the legal enforcement of those measures are being put in place by the States and Territories.
- Aged Care Facilities – The facilities must implement measures for restricting visits and visitors duration to reduce the risk of transmission to residents.
- Education – Schools and Universities remain open.
- Practice Social Distancing.
- Stop Hoarding.
Level 4 – Travel Advice has been implemented
The Federal Government has now advised all Australians: do not travel overseas at this time. This is our highest advice level (level 4 of 4).
If you are already overseas and wish to return to Australia, it is recommended you do so as soon as possible by commercial means.
Regardless of your destination, age or health, the advice is do not travel at this time.
As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult. You may not be able to return to Australia when you had planned to. Consider whether you have access to health care and support systems if you get sick while overseas. If you decide to return to Australia, do so as soon as possible. Commercial options may become less available.
If you are overseas and cannot, or do not want to, return to Australia, follow the advice of local authorities. Take care to minimise your risk of exposure to coronavirus including by self-isolating. If you choose to stay, note our ability to provide consular assistance in some places may be limited due to restrictions on movement and other services.
Virgin Has Cancelled International Flights
All international flights will be grounded from March 30 to June 14 inclusive. However, Melbourne to Los Angeles services will be suspended from this Friday (March 20), while the inaugural Brisbane to Haneda and Melbourne to Denpasar services will be postponed from March 29.
Lane Cove Library – Limiting Numbers to 100
Due to the recent escalation of Coronavirus COVID-19 and based on the direction from the Prime Minister this morning, Council has limited capacity to 100 people in Lane Cove Library. This means Library staff will restrict entry into the Library to ensure there are no more than 100 people, including staff, in the Library at the same time. We realise users of Lane Cove Library will be impacted, particularly at peak times, such as immediately after school. We therefore ask that parents not send primary school aged children to the Library unattended as the Library may already be at capacity. The health and safety of the local community is Council’s priority and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation.
Stop Hoarding and Panic Buying
Scott Morrison said today:
“On bulk purchasing of supplies. Stop hoarding. I can’t be more blunt about it. Stop it. It is not sensible, it is not helpful and it has been one of the most disappointing things I have seen in Australian behaviour in response to this crisis. That is not who we are as a people. It is not necessary. It is not something that people should be doing. What it does is it is distracting attention and efforts that need to be going into other measures, to be focusing on how we maintain supply chains into these shopping centres. There is no reason for people to be hoarding supplies in fear of a lock down or anything like this. As I have said, we’re putting in place scalable and sustainable measures. I will read you specifically what the AHPPC has said to ensure there is absolutely no confusion. ensure that there is absolutely no confusion. The AHPPC advises against the “Bulk purchase of foods, medicines and other goods.
We discourage the panic purchase of food and other supplies.” I am seeking Australia’s common-sense cooperation with these very clear advisory positions. Stop doing it. It’s ridiculous! It’s unAustralian, and it must stop, and I would ask people to do the right thing by each other in getting a handle on these sorts of practices. Also: Do not abuse staff. We’re all in this together. People are doing their jobs. They’re doing their best”
Royal North Shore Hospital Visits
Royal North Shore Hospital is asking patients and their families to limit visitors to one per patient in response to COVID-19. The requirement has been introduced in the interests of safety and wellbeing of patients, their families and staff.
Each patient will need to nominate one person, such as their next of kin, who will be able to visit them during their stay, with other family and friends encouraged to use technology to check in with their loved ones.
Facetime, Skype, instant messaging – all of these are great ways to keep in touch with your loved one while they are in hospital.
Royal North Shore Hospital has also temporarily suspended the attendance of volunteers and consumer representatives on site.
Sporting Events Cancelled
Parkrun Willoughby and North Sydney – all parkruns suspended until further notice.
Serious Unserious Tennis – cancelled at Lane Cove Tennis Club
Lane Cove Cats AFL – The Community Football/Auskick season nationally has been delayed until May 31 as a result of the response to COVID-19.
Netball – Northern Suburbs Netball Association has advised that the 2020 Winter Competition start date has been postponed until 1 May 2020 and this will be reviewed as COVID-19 evolves.
Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union Club – Rugby Australia along with the State and Territory Member Unions have unanimously agreed to postpone all Community Rugby until the first week of May.
Lane Cove West Tigers Junior Rugby League – Training is cancelled for the next 2 weeks. After this time we will make a decision on the following weeks. This includes the Marvellous Minis program and our new Blues Tag team training.
Lane Cove Football Club – all football activities, including training is postponed until Friday 1st May, 2020, with immediate effect.
Entertainment/Community Events Cancelled
If you are booked to go to an event, check with the organiser if it is on. Lane Cove Golf Club has cancelled Friday Night Jazz. All Lane Cove and Greenwich Library events have been cancelled.
The following has been cancelled:
- Public Forum at the Council Meeting, Monday 16 March 2020
- Kaleidoscope of Lane Cove in the Plaza, Friday 20 March 2020, 3:30pm
- Citizenship Ceremony, Thursday 19 March 2020
- How To Have Conversations With Your Teen, Thursday 26 March 2020
- NBN Access Network Community Forum, Tuesday 24 March 2020
- Financing the Future, Saturday 21 March 2020
- Green Cleaning, Saturday 28 March 2020
- Recycling Champions, Saturday 4 April
ANZAC Day services will not be held.
Bunnings Snag Sizzles Cancelled
Bunnings have suspended community sausage sizzle. Managing Director Mike Schneider said:
“Having listened closely to community groups, we’ve learned of the challenges many groups are facing finding volunteers and even supplies to sell given some of the reported challenges being faced by other retailers,” he said.
The sausage sizzles are held to fundraise for various community groups and sports clubs who will now lose out on the much-needed funds.
But, Mr Schneider said those who had arranged sausage sizzles would get a $500 gift card to soften the blow.
The store’s workshop events and other activities, including Easter and Mother’s Day family nights, will also be cancelled.
How to Help Your Neighbours
Sydney Community Services (9427 6425) is a central source for anyone in Lane Cove or Hunters Hill who either need to self-isolate or choose to not go outside as they worry they are at risk of the Corona Virus.
If you are a neighbour of someone who may be at risk please check they are ok and let Sydney Community Services know if they need to be on the vulnerable list.
They are putting together a database of people who are in isolation but they also need volunteers who are able to help others who need emergency supplies, or even just give social contact, through a phone link.
They will take any referrals by phone on 9427 6425. In the meantime email [email protected] with your details.
If you are self-isolated or are having trouble obtaining goods etc please email ITC at [email protected] and we will try and find someone in your street or neighbourhood that can help. In these times it is important to ensure the person volunteering has a connection close to you and they are reliable and trusted. Already volunteering scams are being reported.
Banking Help
Banks are updating their apps to help you do more online. Here is what NAB has done including banking cheques via an app. Check to see how your bank is responding.
Here’s some of the ways you can access your NAB banking:
- Our online and telephone banking services are available to you 24/7. You can visit nab.com.au or call 13 22 65. Our team will do their absolute best to answer your calls and solve your queries as quickly as possible.
- The NAB app and internet banking provide you with many of your banking needs, including checking your balance and statements, making a funds transfer or managing your cards including block, unblock or reorder, changing your card PIN and activating your card.
- You can increase your Internet banking transfer limit up to $40,000.
- You can deposit cheques by taking a photo of them in the NAB App. Deposit up to $1500 every 7 days.
- Businesses needing fast access to cash can apply online for an unsecured QuickBiz Loan of up to $100,000 or QuickBiz Overdraft up to $50,0001
Closest Covid 19 Testing Clinic
There is a Covid 19 Testing Clinic at Royal North Shore. These clinics are currently assisting with the assessment and testing of people with fever, cough or flu-like symptoms who are returned travellers or a contact of a confirmed case.
NSW Health has stressed these clinics are for those most at risk with respiratory symptoms or fever, those returning from overseas or in contact with a COVID-19 case, or people like health workers. People without symptoms do not need to be tested.
It is vital that these respiratory clinics are not overwhelmed with people who are not in the high risk groups, which could result in delays identifying those most vulnerable.
NSW Department of Health Advice on Social Distancing
Everyone should practise social distancing, as it reduces the potential for transmission.
Social distancing is an effective measure to reduce the potential for transmission, but it is recognised that it cannot be practised in all situations.
While practising social distancing, people can travel to work,including on public transport. For non-essential activities outside the workplace or attendance at schools, universities and childcare – social distancing includes:
- avoiding crowds and mass gatherings where it is difficult to keep the appropriate distance away from others
- avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces, for example, family celebrations
- attempting to keep a distance of 1.5 metres between themselves and other people where possible, for example when they are out and about in public place.
- avoiding shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people
- avoiding visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, infants, or people with compromised immune systems due to illness or medical treatment.
Tips on How to Survive Self Isolation
If you are self-isolated (for example you have returned from OS). We have put together a list of businesses who can deliver to your door. Read more here.
Chargrill Charlies Introduces Grab and Go
Chargrill Charlies have now introduced a new Grab and Go system. All you need to do is order online via their app and then just turn up and say your name and collect at the front counter. No need to handle money and you don’t need to enter the store. Do not order between 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm as they are closed for sanitising.
Download the app by searching for Chargrill Charlies on iTunes or google play. Chargrill Charlie’s
Home Style Meals
Local Caterer Bern the Chef works from a commercial kitchen and she is now delivering home-cooked meals. She has advised as follows:
Food Delivery Essentials and Prepared Meals
Vanilla Blue Catering has launched Vanilla Blue @Home and they are delivering food boxes and ready-made meals to your door – no more trips to the supermarket needed! They are located in Artarmon. One of their senior managers lives in Longueville and they proudly employ some Lane Cove locals.
Grocery Essentials – Fridge, Pantry, Veggie & Fruit boxes
Chef Made Meals – 30 choices, just heat and eat
Order online https://www.vanillablue.com.au/order…
They will even through in 4 FREE rolls TOILET PAPER with orders over $200!
Latest NSW Covid 19 stats
As at 11am today, an additional 57 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed and an additional death, since NSW Health last update at 11 am, March 17, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in NSW to 267.
| Confirmed cases (incl. interstate residents in NSW health care facilities) | 267 |
| Cases under investigation | 2,146 |
| Cases tested and excluded | 33,387 |
| Total | 35,800 |
Cases by Sex and Age Group
NSW Health confirmed the fifth death in NSW from COVID-19. An 86-year-old man previously notified with COVID-19 died last night in a Sydney hospital. Our condolences are with his family and friends at this time.
| Age group | Female | Male | Total |
| 10-19 | 5 | 6 | 11 |
| 20-29 | 21 | 17 | 38 |
| 30-39 | 35 | 30 | 65 |
| 40-49 | 23 | 29 | 52 |
| 50-59 | 21 | 23 | 44 |
| 60-69 | 15 | 24 | 39 |
| 70-79 | 4 | 5 | 9 |
| 80-89 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 90-100 | 4 | 4 | |
| Total | 130 | 137 | 267 |
By likely source of infection:
| Source | No |
| Overseas acquired | 114 |
| Epi link (contact of confirmed case) | 63 |
| Under investigation | 64 |
| Unknown | 26 |
| Total | 267 |
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