WE MUST ALL DO OUR BIT TO MINIMISE SPREAD
TOWNSVILLE has had its fair share of calamity and trauma in recent years and COVID-19 is coming off the back of a year most of us would prefer to forget.
But, just like the floods of 2019 we will recover from this in due course, and for residents with coughs and colds the main thing we are asking them to do is remain at home and watch Netflix.
We have seen action across all levels of government with strong leadership from the Prime Minister and the hospitals have been undertaking comprehensive preparations for what is to come.
Townsville will be ready for more cases but we need to each do our bit now to minimise the impact.
Detailed how-to guides are being updated every day, everything from social distancing to what to do with a fever.
The best “source Queenslanders can of be truth” found for at www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/ health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19. Please keep this website handy and refer to it first.
If you have mild cold symptoms, we suggest you remain at home until you are feeling well, most of you will not need to see a doctor and unless you have just returned from overseas you will not be needing a swab.
The website also offers a quiz for you to see if you should be checked for COVID-19, though most locals will not be.
If you are wanting to see a GP, don’t forget to call ahead to see if your condition can be managed by telehealth, which may be bulk-billed for eligible patients. If you do come to the GP please come alone or with the minimum number of tag-alongs required as we are trying to keep the waiting rooms free of crowding.
Please don’t ask for a clearance certificate, there really is no way to “clear” a person who feels well as the swabs do not work that way, look at the senator who felt well Friday morning and by the evening was in hospital.
The impact of closures, reduced travel, job uncertainty and impact of the virus itself will affect everyone differently but even now there is a section of the community we need to look out for.
Please check in on those in your street and community who might need your help, check on your Nana, and those nanas (and pops) around you. Say hi, check that they have food and, more importantly, a human connection in this stressful time. Stop stockpiling toilet paper, stop panic buying tuna and check that your neighbour has enough food for the week. A
Townsville
F a c e - book site has started “Love your neighbour Townsville” as a way to connect the vulnerable in the community with those who can help, this is a lovely way to reach out and support those who will feel this.
In time, when we come to look back on the current virus pandemic, which we will, we will not be talking about the number of positive swabs, the lack of pasta on the shelves, or on the cancelled travel, we will be reflecting on how we as a community had responded to our neighbours in need. Take steps now to keep yourself, and your Nana, safe and well.