Christine's Corner
Important Information about COVID-19 for families
This note provides links to selected information, advice and support relating to coronavirus, in English and other languages, provided by the Victorian and Australian Governments, and other sources.
If you Suspect You may have Coronavirus:
Call the dedicated hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 hours).
If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
Please use Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
Information about Coronavirus and How to Prevent its Spread
About the Coronavirus Infection
Including its symptoms, how to reduce its spread, and where to obtain help and hospitals which provide assessment services for anyone who have the virus. Click here, or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
Reducing the Risk of Infection
Click here, or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-transmission-reduction-measures
Restrictions on Movement Outside of the Home to Slow the Spread of Coronavirus
Click here, or visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-victoria
Videos about Coronavirus and How to Help Prevent its Spread
How Victorians can work together to respond to the coronavirus disease.
Click here, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJU_T9D60xU&feature=youtu.be
Videos presented by SBS on behalf of the Federal Government. Click here, for Part One, and here, for Part Two.
Videos about coronavirus in other languages are available: Click here, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/user/healthgovau/search?query=%22information+from+SBS%22
Support for Specific Issues and Segments of the Community
People with a Disability and their Carers
Medical advice, further support, and tips for keeping healthy for carers.
Click here, or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/people-disability-and-carers-home-isolation-coronavirus
Carers Advisory Line on 1800 514 845 (Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm) Click here, or visit: https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/
Phone NDIA on 1800 800 110 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm) to request a plan review. Click here, or visit: https://www.ndis.gov.au/contact
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Physical distancing, access to food and essential supplies, and other advice, emphasising cultural respect. Click here, or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-information-aboriginal-communities
Parents
Play, Health and Learning at Home - About play, learning, safety and health, for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and school-age children, as well as services for parents.
Click here, or visit: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/Pages/default.aspx
Fun activities for parents and children at home
Click here, or visit: https://newywithkids.com.au/family-fun-social-distancing-coronavirus/
Learning from Home for Children
Learning resources for children during school closures. Click here, or visit: https://www.education.com/resources/
Advice about learning from home, in community languages: Click here, or visit: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/learning/Pages/home-learning-translated-advice.aspx
Services for Parents
Victorian Government services for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and school-age children.
Click here, or visit: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/services-for-parents/Pages/default.aspx
Crisis Support for Parents
Parent Helpline: 13 22 89 (8am to midnight 7 days a week)
International Students
Information and support for international students.
Click here or visit: https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/English/student-support
Else email international.students@dese.gov.au or phone 1300 981 621 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
Information for Immigrants and Visa Holders
Immigration arrangements and obligations during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Click here, or visit: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/
Entitlements to remain in Australia for visa holders
Arrangements for holders of various visa types. Available in community languages.
Click here, or visit: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/staying-australia
See also: ‘Information in other Languages’, further below
Health and Wellbeing, and Family Violence
Mental Health Resources: Ideas and resources to help people cope with stress
Advice and resources for supporting mental health: Click here, or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/mental-health-resources-coronavirus-covid-19
Tips from the Red Cross to help individuals and families maintain wellbeing and manage isolation
Click here or visit: https://www.redcross.org.au/stories/covid-19
‘Taking care of yourself in isolation’ - a simple series of practical tips. Click here, or visit: https://enliven.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Taking-care-of-yourself-in-isolation.pdf
Advice from Dementia Australia for people caring for someone with dementia at home
Click here, or visit: https://www.dementia.org.au/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-helpsheets/tips-for-people-living-with-dementia
LifeLine: Ph: 131 114 (24 hours) Click here, or visit: www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: Help with depression or anxiety. Ph: 1300 22 4636 (24 hours)
Click here, or visit: www.beyondblue.org.au
Kids Help Line: Ph: 1800 551 800. (24 hours) Email and web counselling: kidshelp.com.au
Advice and Support for Family Violence
Advice about family violence and sources of help.
Click here, or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-support-f