As part of MWA’s continued support to the community, we are pleased to have developed a range of resources to inform and support the community in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, we have identified gaps which require person-centred, dignified care for the physical and mental health of COVID positive patients.
The COVID Care-Pack is a community led initiative providing practical support to households and addressing the gaps that exist in access to information and services.
If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to a doctor. You can also call NSW Health on 1800 943 553. We encourage you to visit the NSW Health website for the latest and most up to date information regarding COVID-19.
Be a hero, use your mask
Wearing a mask can help shield you and those around you from COVID, especially in areas where there are huge crowds and physical distancing is not possible. Likewise, there are some people who can’t wear a mask for medical reasons, so it’s important for the majority of us who can wear a mask to do the right thing and help stop the spread of COVID.
Stay ahead of the curve
Social distancing by keeping to the 1.5m rule and avoiding crowds can slow the spread of COVID. In fact, the more space between you and others, the harder it will be for the virus to spread. In addition to keeping your distance, it’s also important to practice good hygiene and avoid any physical greetings when meeting with other people.
Thank you for keeping us safe
Businesses or organisations registered as COVID Safe each have a unique QR code you need to scan. You can scan the QR code with your phone camera, and then check-in via the Service NSW app, or by entering your details into a webform if you don’t have the app. It’s important to check-in as doing so will help keep track of COVID numbers and make sure you get informed of any hotspot areas.
Concerned about a cough?
Getting tested for COVID is free and requires no booking or referral. You’ll also get your results are texted to you in less than 48 hours. Just remember to stay COVID safe and follow proper social distancing and self-isolation procedures before and after getting tested.
How COVID affects you
If you feel like you have any COVID symptoms, even if they are mild or you’ve been vaccinated, get tested immediately and self-isolate until you get a negative result. If you test positive for COVID, continue to self-isolate, rest up and drink plenty of fluids, and remember to seek help if symptoms get worse.
COVID lasts – here’s how
Did you know COVID symptoms can sometimes persist up to months after getting a positive result? Fatigue, chest pain, coughing and other physical symptoms can have a higher possibility of lasting beyond a few weeks. Always be on the lookout for new and ongoing symptoms, and remember to discuss these symptoms with your doctor if they get worse.
Provide assistance at a distance
Self-isolating can be difficult for everyone, especially to those who’ve tested positive for COVID. Remember to show your loved ones you care by keeping in touch with them via phone and online, checking-in on their mental health, and helping them with errands when they need it in a COVID safe manner.
It’s not always about you
With cases growing everyday, COVID-19 is a lot more serious than you think. While you might not feel like you’ve been personally impacted by COVID, families similar to yours have had their lives turned upside down because someone in their neighbourhood had tested positive for COVID. Do the right thing and keep your community safe by following COVID safe protocols and educating your loved ones on the impact and symptoms of COVID-19.
Don’t forget the travel essentials
In an age where social distancing and good hygiene is king, don’t forget your your mask and hand sanitiser alongside your other essentials before going out. Even if you’re fully vaccinated, following COVID safe procedures will further help stop the spread of the virus.
How to talk about vaccines
Getting vaccinated protects you, your family and community from getting really sick or even dying from COVID-19. With COVID cases constantly fluctuating, it’s important for everyone who can get vaccinated to get vaccinated so that we can protect the ones who lawfully can’t.
Feeling down or stressed
While it’s normal to feel anxious or concerned, COVID-19 has been especially hard on our mental health and wellbeing. There are several mental health support services which are available for you to access both remotely and in-person, many of which offer free support and access to local services.
Some 24/7 helplines include:
- Beyond Blue: 1800 512 34
- Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Stay Active at Home
With most of us staying home more than ever, it’s important to finds ways to maintain a balanced lifestyle, even if we can’t do the things we normally do to stay fit. Healthy habits such as exercising on the spot or around our house, practising self-care and mindfulness, and making sure to stay hydrated, eat well and sleep well helps keep our physical (as well as our mental) health in check.
MWA will continue to raise issues of community concern, and address them when we can. If you are facing struggles now or have any particular issues of concern that you would like us to raise further, please get in touch with us via info@mwa.org.au or 02 9750 6916.
This project us supported by Multicultural NSW
Resources: Managing COVID-19 at home with assistance from your general practice
