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Covid - 19 update

A Community Engagement Strategy is currently being implemented to intensify the Victorian Government’s response to COVID-19, given the health risks it poses to the Victorian community. Part of this strategy includes deploying Community Engagement Teams (CETs) into identified locations over the coming weeks and months. The Premier has requested a deeper engagement in particular communities to make sure people know about the current health advice for COVID-19 prevention and testing.

CETs will operate in public places in the first instance, including shopping strips, train and bus stations, food premises, places of worship, workplaces, schools, and ethno-specific business and hospitality precincts.  Community Engagement Teams will also work in residential areas, knocking on doors in locations identified from epidemiological data as COVID-19 ‘hot-spots’. The key duties of Community Engagement Team members are to:

  • talk to people about COVID-19 and the things they can do to keep themselves and their families safe (good hygiene etc)
  • explain public health requirements (such as physical distancing)
  • provide further information for people in their spoken language, by a community member scanning a code using their mobile phone
  • provide information to people about where they can go to be tested, if they or a family member have symptoms, no matter how mild.

 

There is no charge for COVID-19 testing - any symptoms, however mild, get tested - Link to DHHS testing - https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19.  If you don’t have a Medicare card you can still get tested for COVID-19 - https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19.  Keep yourself, your friends and family safe these school holidays - https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/how-stay-safe-and-well-covid-19

The attached Communication Pack provides a range of options that can be used in your schools and communities. The purpose of this communications campaign is to: 

  • Reinforce the need to get tested when displaying symptoms. However mild.
  • Telling people what the symptoms are through use of simple icons and strong statements.
  • Highlighting reasons to be tested – to keep yourself, your friends, family, workplace and community safe.
  • Reminding people that they must stay home if they are unwell.