We have now reached a new stage in the Covid 19 pandemic.
Stage 1 Shut Downs
As of midday today the following have been shut down:
- Pubs, registered and licenced clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues)
- Hotels (excluding accommodation)
- Gyms and indoor sporting venues
- Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
- Restaurants and cafes – now restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
- Religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups and where the one person per four square metre rule applies)
The following are still open:
- retail shops
- shopping centres
- hairdressers
- beauticians
- bottle shops
The NSW Premier advised today that if your industry, business or venue is not on the shutdown list you can continue to operate, however she has recommended where possible that people work from home to reduce the social interaction and ensure social distancing is respected and maintained.
It is an offence not to adhere to the Public Health order. Crime Stoppers NSW is the best and most appropriate way to report any breaches or concerns around people acting contrary to self-isolation or health orders. Crime Stoppers NSW can be contacted on 1800 333 000 or visit the Crime Stoppers NSW website.
There is some confusion about what is able to be opened – here are the official definitions of premises that need to shut down.
List of Lane Cove Businesses That Deliver or Providing Services Online
We have compiled a list of businesses who have adapted to the new regulations and are now providing takeaway, grab and go and home delivery here.
Lane Cove Music and Cultural Centre will be moving to online lessons from 24th March 2020 until further notice.
Lane Cove Council Facilities
The following council facilities and council-funded facilities have closed:
Greenwich Baths – closed
Greenwich Library – closed
Lane Cove Aquatic Centre – closed
Synergy Youth Centre – closed
Gallery Lane Cove – closed
Other facilities:
Kindy Cove Child Care Centre remains open.
Lane Cove Library is operating a pick-up or “grab and go” service only. Reserve your item/s online or if selecting an item from the shelves please minimise browsing time. Meeting rooms, tables and chairs will not be available to use. Library to Your Door will continue to operate as normal. Keep yourself entertained with books, magazines, DVDs and audiobooks delivered directly to your home.
MyGov Website Crashes
The MyGov website and app crashed today as 98,000 concurrent users tried to access the site. In a typical day, MyGov has 6,000 users at one time. Lines have been forming around Centrelink.
Schools Are Open – But Premier Tells Parents to Keep Kids at Home
Schools across NSW will remain open but parents will be encouraged to teach their children at home.
While people will be encouraged to, if practical, keep children at home, parents that have no option are still able to send children to school.
Local Covid19 Phone Scam
A Lane Cove woman has reported receiving a scam phone call from someone posing as a representative of the Chinese Health Authority. The caller told the woman she had been identified for violating the Chinese Health Authority Corona Virus lockdown rules in China. The woman was then transferred to someone claiming to be a Beijing Police Officer who stated a bank account had been set up using her name and that she would have to transfer money to them from her own bank account to prove it was not her account.
Donations Wanted for Delvena Women’s Refuge
Delvena Women’s Refuge is located in Lane Cove. There are also service several families who have been relocated to houses in Lane Cove. They have put the call out for the following items:
- Hand Sanitiser
- Glen 20
- Nappies for babies over 3 months
- Rice
- Pasta
If anyone can donate these items, please drop them off to Sydney Community Services at Little Street (you can park underneath). Please label them as donations for Delvena (Sydney Community Services is also taking donations for the elderly).
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.
NSW Covid 19 Health Statistics
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.
