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.
Sydney Community Services Are Asking For Donations
Sydney Community Services is assisting the elderly and vulnerable in our community. They urgently need donations as per below. If you can donate but are unable to drop off at Sydney Community Services please email us – ITC now has a team of volunteers who are ready to help out in situations like this and to help their neighbours.
Supermarket Deliveries
The state government has overridden local councils laws to allow trucks to deliver stock to supermarkets 24/7 in a bid to prevent panic buying. Lane Cove Council had already taken the step to assist the supply chain by advising local supermarkets they were not enforcing restrictions on delivery times to assist supply.
Supermarkets Closing Earlier
Both Woolworths and Coles Lane Cove are now closing at 8 pm. If you need some urgent supplies after that time our local petrol stations such as Jack and Co and 7 Eleven on Burns Bay Road are open. Jack and Co are using deliveroo to deliver bread and milk (and other bakery products – you must order before 9 pm.)
Sydney Edible Garden Trail Now Virtual
Sydney Edible Garden trail was to take place this weekend and feature gardens on the lower north shore (with many in Lane Cove). The organisers have made the decision to postpone the physical trail this year until next year, the revised date will be 20-21 March 2021.
But this weekend they will be coordinating a VIRTUAL SYDNEY EDIBLE GARDEN TRAIL!!!
The virtual garden tour will take place on 21-22 March and continue for the next two months. They are excited to announce that Costa Georgiadis, the host of Gardening Australia TV show, will present LIVE from a selection of the gardens via video (at various times between 9am 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 21-22 March 2020) with the option for people to ask questions.
Other gardeners will also be holding live virtual tours of their gardens.
Tickets to the 2020 Virtual Sydney Edible Garden Trail gives you access to live videostreaming from a number the gardens, as well as access to the videos for two months, so you can visit multiple gardens from the comfort of your own home. PLUS entry to the new physical trail – March 20-21, 2021, is also included in the ticket price. BUY HERE.
If you’re a garden host or a ticket holder, please join the Facebook group Virtual Sydney Edible Garden Trail. They will publish the live and recorded videos for you to “walk” through the Trail gardens!
Lane Cove Library
A reminder that the Lane Cove Library is now limiting visitors and staff to 100 at a time.
Library Books – Library to Your Door
A first for Australia, Lane Cove Council has launched a ground-breaking new service enabling all residents to have library items delivered directly to their door.
The service, operated by Lane Cove Library and launched in October, is Australia’s first seamless online-shopping style public library experience, called Library to Your Door.
For a small fee of $2.50, time-poor residents can reserve items and have them delivered within three working days of the item becomes available.
A pickup service for any items borrowed from the Library is also available. The pickup service costs $1 per item.
Library to Your Door is available to residents aged 18 years and older who live within the Lane Cove Local Government Area. More details here.
Support Local
Many of our local businesses have adapted to make it easier for you to buy from them. Many are taking orders over the phone or have online sales facilities. If you do need to buy something then think local first. We need to help our local businesses in these tough times. Check out the local businesses in our local directory.
Many of our local eateries are now offering takeaway for the first time – so contact you favourite eatery and get some meals home delivered.
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 4.00pm as they are closed for sanitising.
Download the app by searching for Chargrill Charlies on iTunes or google play.
To help people to use the app or new downloads receive a $10 credit
Small Business Loans Freeze
The Banks announced today they freeze small business loan repayments for up to six months to assist with cash-flow issues caused by the coronavirus crisis.
If you own a small business and you have a loan facility, contact your bank to find out about the loan freeze.
Naplan Cancelled
NAPLAN has been cancelled for 2020 because of the coronavirus.
The Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authority has advised it has been decided that principals should be focusing on the wellbeing of children, not on the Naplan.
Scams on the Rise
Be very careful about Emails asking for personal details. The ACCC has received 94 reports of scams about coronavirus since January 2020.
Scamwatch has received multiple reports of phishing scams sent via email or text message that claim to be providing official information on coronavirus but are attempts to try and obtain personal data.
Other scams include people receiving misinformation about cures for coronavirus and investment scams claiming coronavirus has created opportunities to make money.
Scammers are impersonating official organisations such as the World Health Organization and the Department of Health or legitimate businesses such as travel agents and telecommunications companies.
Understandably, people want information on the pandemic, but they should be wary of emails or text messages claiming to be from experts. For the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus, visit the Department of Health and the World Health Organization websites directly.
More information on coronavirus scams is available on the Scamwatch website, including how to make a report and where to get help.
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.
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.
Share Your Cooking Stories
Some ITC followers have set up a free FB group to connect people around cooking during this time.
People have historically connected over food. And in this uncertain time, food is becoming a source of stress, anxiety and panic for so many.
They have created a place where we can all get inspired and share the recipes.
So whether it’s a recipe that freezes well, can be made of basic ingredients or is a new creation that you hacked together, they are inviting people from around the world to come and share it with this group.
http://facebook.com/groups/lockdowncookingcollective
ITC’s Positive Programme
Introducing ITC’s positive programme. We would like your suggestions on how we as a community can help each other out and do positive things during this crisis. What are some of your suggestions to put in place some positive vibes while still observing social distancing?? The best suggestions we will try and implement.
Here are some of the suggestions that we have already received:
😀 Put Up Your Christmas Lights and families can drive by and enjoy them.
😀 On Anzac Day stand at the end of your driveway and observe the minute’s silence. Then get your street signing Advance Australia Fair (probably Horses after that as that is nearly a national anthem).
😀Buy coffees for the hard-working staff at Royal North Shore Hospital via https://www.gofundme.com/f/buy-them-a-coffee…
Hit us up with suggestions at [email protected]
Covid 19 Stats from NSW Health
As at 8pm, Thursday, 19 March 2020, an additional 46 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed, since NSW Health’s last update at 11 am 19 March, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in NSW to 353.
| Confirmed cases (incl. interstate residents in NSW health care facilities) | 353 |
| Cases tested and excluded | 40,298 |
| Total | 40,651 |
Last night an 81 year old woman with COVID-19 passed away, bringing a total of 6 deaths in NSW. This person had close contact with another confirmed case linked to Ryde Hospital
Of the confirmed cases, 6 people are currently in our Intensive Care Units. The majority of cases have mild disease and are in isolation at home.
By likely source of infection
| Source | No |
| Overseas acquired | 158 |
| Epi link (contact of confirmed case) | 69 |
| Under investigation | 74 |
| Unknown | 52 |
| Total | 353 |
Cases by Sex and Age Group
| Age group | Female | Male | Total |
| 10-19 | 8 | 6 | 14 |
| 20-29 | 30 | 24 | 54 |
| 30-39 | 45 | 42 | 87 |
| 40-49 | 25 | 40 | 65 |
| 50-59 | 27 | 32 | 59 |
| 60-69 | 21 | 30 | 51 |
| 70-79 | 8 | 6 | 14 |
| 80-89 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 90-100 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 170 | 183 | 353 |
NSW Health is alerting passengers who were close contacts on the following flights to monitor for symptoms, and contact their GP, but call ahead first, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, or visit a NSW Health COVID-19 / Flu assessment clinic should they become unwell.
Flight details of confirmed cases:
- Qantas flight QF434 from Melbourne to Sydney, arriving 13 March 2020. Close contacts were in rows 1-4
- Qantas flight QF12 from Los Angeles to Sydney arriving 15 March 2020. Close contacts were in rows 25-29
- Malaysian Airlines Flight MH0141 from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney, arriving 14 March 2020. Close contacts were in rows 1-3
- Emirates Flight EK413, Codeshare QF8765 from Christchurch to Sydney, arriving 16 March 2020. Close contacts were in rows 7-11
- Etihad Airways flight EY450 from Abu Dhabi to Sydney, arriving 16 March 2020. Close contacts were in rows 19-23
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.
In the Cove is in the Know and You Can Be Too
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