Coronavirus Update: 1 May 2020

To protect the safety of our community, Mornington Peninsula Shire is taking measures to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest updates on impacted council services, programs, events and activities visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

We will keep our community informed as things unfold. Council’s immediate priority is keeping our community well.

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New this week

From previous updates

Coronavirus testing

The Victorian Government has announced 100,000 Victorians will be tested for Coronavirus over the coming weeks as part of a major testing blitz across the State, to better understand how the virus is spreading in the community and set us up for the potential easing of restrictions. Testing is free if done through a public health facility or GP offering bulk billing.

If you have any symptoms, however mild, you should seek advice and be tested. For further advice call the 24-hour Coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398, your general practitioner or use the State Government's online self-assessment tool.

Peninsula Testing Clinics

Rosebud Hospital: A Coronavirus Screening Clinic is now open at Rosebud Hospital. The clinic, located in Eleanora House at the front of the Rosebud Hospital site, is open daily 10am-6pm.

Frankston Hospital: Continues to screen people for Covid-19 at our clinic at Frankston Hospital.

Atticus Health Medical Clinic Hastings: COVID-19 testing at the clinic carpark. Tests are by appointment only.

Rosebud Skin Cancer Centre: COVID-19 testing at the clinic. Tests are by appointment only.

To find out why are Victorians being encouraged to get tested and whether you should get tested, click on the link below.

Learn more

Good news stories in the community

Sewing scrubs to support our nursesHearing that nursing staff at Rosebud Hospital needed more scrubs, volunteers from Mt Martha’s Boomerang Bags group decided to do something about it. Learn more

Now is the perfect time for a backyard safariWith the need for all of us to stay home to save lives, now is the perfect time to discover the natural world on your doorstep. So why not get outside and take a backyard safari? We urge you to explore your garden or neighbourhood and discover all the wonderful plants and critters that call it home. Learn more

Care packages for those in need

As part of our ‘Caring for our Community’ initiative, Mornington Peninsula Shire in partnership with local Community Support Centres, is offering care packages for our most vulnerable and isolated community members who are impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic on the Peninsula.

Care packages will be sent to eligible households through contactless delivery. Care packages will include non-perishable food and essential hygiene items.

You are eligible to receive a care package if you:

are being impacted by Covid-19 due to self-isolation
are considered ‘at risk’ of getting COVID-19
have no support locally to access supplies
are experiencing significant hardship due the current situation.

How do I register to receive care packages?

To register to receive a care package from Mornington Peninsula Shire phone 1300 850 600. If you need the assistance of an interpreter phone 131 450TTY/voice calls: 133 677Speak and listen: 1300 555 727SMS relay: 0423 677 767 If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment contact us through the National Relay Service: communications.gov.au For those in mandatory self-isolation, the state government have Emergency Relief packages you can access by calling the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

Community Support Centres

Community Information and Support Centres provide a number of programs and services to assist vulnerable individuals, couples and families.

Services provided include fresh food parcels, personal hygiene products and food vouchers. There is also support available for people experiencing financial difficulties and referral information is provided to other health and community agencies.

There are three Community Information and Support Centres operating on the Peninsula:

- Southern Peninsula Community Support and Information Centre: 5986 1285- Westernport Community Support Centre: 5979 2762- Mornington Community Information and Support Centre Inc.: 5975 1644

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