Please see below our daily update regarding Lane Cove and other important Covid 19 news. If you know 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. Sign Up here.
New Rules and Recommendations on Public Gatherings and Leaving Your Home
Tonight the Prime Minister announced new restrictions on public gatherings and when you should leave your home. The Prime Minister has not released any other details other than the information given at his press conference. It is up to each state to implement the restrictions and draft the legislation. On the spot, fines can be issued for breaches of the public gathering rule.
Moratorium on rental evictions
The Prime Minister said state and territories will move towards a temporary ban on evictions of people and businesses unable to meet their commitments due to financial distress.
Measures to address rental stress for both businesses and residents across the country have been considered by National Cabinet for over a week.
The Prime Minister said:
“Now there is a lot more work to be done here and my message to tenants, particularly commercial tenants, and commercial landlords, is a very straightforward one,” Mr Morrison said.
“We need you to sit down, talk to each other and work this out about looking at the businesses which have been closed, businesses that may have had a significant reduction in their revenues and we need landlords and tenants to sit down and come up with arrangements that enable them to get through this crisis.”
NSW Health Geographical Data
The NSW Health releases daily Covid 19 confirmed cases updates.
As at 8 pm, Saturday, March 28 2020, an additional 174 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed, NSW last health update bringing the total number of confirmed cases in NSW to 1,791.
There are 160 COVID-19 cases being treated in NSW; including 24 cases in Intensive Care Units and, of those, 12 require ventilators at this stage.
These figures reveal that testing for COVID-19 is occurring at a significant rate across the state and everyone is urged to follow NSW Health advice about social distancing, personal hygiene and staying at home wherever possible.
There were 245 passengers from the Roald Amundsen and Scenic Eclipse cruises who flew to Sydney from South America and arrived late on Friday night. All of these passengers were screened for COVID-19 at the airport and all are required to be in isolation for 14 days.
Lane Cove Council Area Confirmed Cases
As at 27th March 2020 there were 21 confirmed Covid 19 cases in the Lane Cove Council Area. This is only confirmed cases and does not include details of how many Lane Cove residents are awaiting test results.
NSW Health says everyone should act as if they have the virus and wash their hands regularly. Many people might have Covid 19 while being asymptomatic: not showing signs that they have the disease.
Theft of Vital Medical Protective Equipment
This week ITC was contacted by a Royal North Shore Health Worker who told us that RNSH has had to lock up and take steps to ensure that the personal protective equipment was not “taken” by community members.
Today NSW Health says the theft of vital medical protective equipment from health facilities is “extremely disappointing”.
NSW Health stated:
“We would ask the community to support our frontline staff by respecting their need to protect themselves so they can care for others,” the department said in a statement. “The NSW Government is working around the clock to ensure our health workers have access to appropriate protective equipment.
Everyone can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by practising social distancing, thorough hand washing, cough etiquette and staying home if they’re unwell.”
Don’t Go to the International Airport to Meet Loved Ones Coming back to Lane Cove
From last night all travellers arriving in Australia from overseas are required to undertake their mandatory 14-day self-isolation at designated facilities (for example, a hotel). Travellers are transported directly to designated facilities after appropriate immigration, customs and enhanced health checks at the airport. If you are expecting a loved one to return home from Overseas you are being advised not to go to the airport as you will not be able to greet them.
Supporting Those On the Frontline
ITC received this message from Lane Cove’s local Dominos:
“At Domino’s Pizza we are SO grateful to be able to serve our local community when they need it most. At the moment, Domino’s stores across the country are delivering thousands of free pizzas to the healthcare workers on the battlefront of the health crisis. We call it “Feeding the Frontline”.
No strings attached, we’ll just make a time on a busy shift in the hospital or health centre and turn up with free pizza for the team. This week our North Shore stores have shared the love with shelf packers, Centrelink staff and health workers.
If you are in the North Shore region of Sydney and working in health care, contact me and we’ll find a way to feed you and some of your workmates over the next few weeks.
Call Chris on 0405507768 or email [email protected]
Providing Support to RNSH and Ryde Hospital Health Workers
Michelle Barry works at Ryde Hospital and assists RNSH.
Her goal is to provide each ward and department with a bag full of goodies every week. She has achieved this for the past 2 weeks but we have a long road ahead of us.
Please donate:
Nespresso compatible pods
Coffee bags
Herbal teas
Chocolates
Rice crackers
Nut snack packs
Popcorn
Easter treats
Biscuits
She is looking for 3 Lane Cove families who are happy to be a drop-off point. A tub will be provided with a sign and there would be no contact delivery process.
If you can help text Michelle Barry on 0421 135 719
A Lane Cove Local’s Personal Plea For Lane Cove Residents to Stay Home
The following was posted on ITC Lane Cove Chat.
“I’d like to introduce you to 9 members of my family. #stayhome #flattenthecurve
Our son is currently one of the countless, amazing Doctors working in a Covid19 ward at a Melbourne hospital – working 90 hr weeks. Today he has a 1/2 day then it’s on to 14 hr days, not counting overtime. He’ll look after you if test positive to Covid19 and need hospitalization. He is at high risk of catching this virus 🦠 from you.
Me, I’m a theatre nurse with 30 years experience, working in a private hospital that will soon close and will perhaps divert/assist the public hospital when needed. I may be the one rediverted to look after you in the ward.
My niece is a theatre nurse too in the public – she may be helping me in that same ward.
My brother is an Anaesthetist- looking after your airway and currently at high risk of contracting 🦠 himself. He may be the one looking after you in ICU when they run out of ICU doctors.
His wife is a radiologist – working hard getting the images you’ll need for the appropriate care and diagnosis.
My other brother is a geriatrician physician – he’s the one trying his best to keep your parents and grandparents away from the virus with the best knowledge possible.
His wife is an Infectious Diseases Doctor – she’s the one working around the clock to ensure that IF you catch this god awful virus that she’s got the best possible team in place to get you through.
Another niece is an exercise physiologist- she’ll be in the hospital or at home starting your recovery plan.
Her husband is a rehab doctor – he’s the one that will be looking after you. Literally getting you back on your feet again.
Please please please #stayhome #flattenthecurve
And maybe, just maybe MY family can be safe at home – JUST LIKE YOURS❤️❤️❤️”
Coronavirus App
The Australian Government has released an official app with the information you need to know about #Coronavirus.
Download the official government “Coronavirus Australia” app in the Apple App Store or Google Play
Information on the app will be the latest news, travel advice, symptoms and support services for individuals and businesses.
What’s App
The Government has released a WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android.
If you have WhatsApp already, the process is easy Go To http://aus.gov.au/whatsapp on your phone, and then elect to open the page in WhatsApp.
To sign up, it will ask that you send this message: ‘To learn more about COVID-19 in Australia, press the send button.’ Hit send, and you’re signed up.
If you don’t have WhatsApp, you’ll need to download WhatsApp from the app store on your device, set up WhatsApp and then sign up for the government service from there.
Sydney Community Services
Sydney Community Services is located in Lane Cove and has a long history of providing services to the aged and people living with a disability including social activities, gardening, home nursing, podiatry, Community Care Advisory, clean sheets and towels, home delivered meals, home modifications and maintenance, flexible respite, carers support, shopping services, community and engagement programs, medical transport and assistance in daily life.
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 take referrals by phone on 9427 6425. You can also email [email protected] with your details.
They are now the first line of contact for many elderly and vulnerable people in our community. Need for their services is growing daily and they have asked In the Cove to put a call out for donations.
Elderly or Vulnerable People Priority Online Shopping
If you are elderly or vulnerable you can arrange for priority shopping with Woolworths. Coles is working to introduce their priority home deliveries by the end of this week.
Woolworths has introduced Priority Assistance home deliveries to help the elderly, people with disability, those with compromised immunity and those in mandatory isolation. To apply for Priority Assistance delivery, please complete the form at woolworths.com.au/priorityassistance
Coles Online has been temporarily diverted to the Coles Online Priority Service (COPS), allowing them to focus on delivering food and grocery essentials to elderly and vulnerable members of the community, including retirement and nursing homes. They will shortly announce how customers can access COPS; please check www.coles.com.au for more details.
Mental Health Support
If you aren’t feeling yourself lately the Way2Wellness team are available to listen. Talk to a trained mental health supporter using a free and confidential wellbeing service.
For more information visit: www.way2wellness.org.au or call: 1300 120 446 to chat.
NSW Covid 19 Health
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 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.
Social distancing includes:
- avoiding places where it is difficult to keep the appropriate distance away from others
- 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.
Keep Up to Date With In the Cove
To make sure you don’t miss Lane Cove info sign up to our newsletter. It comes out every Wednesday Night at 7.30 pm and includes a wrap up of everything posted on our Facebook site in the previous week.
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