THE
FORREST POST
JULY 2020
FREE
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and waters around us, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. We respect their cultural heritage, knowledge, beliefs, and relationship to this land that was never ceded.
MASK UP and help keep us all safe From midnight on SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST everyone in Victoria is required to wear a mask when leaving their home. Wearing a face covering protects you and your community by providing an additional physical barrier to coronavirus (COVID-19). Keeping 1.5 metres between yourself and others and washing your hands are still the best defences against COVID-19. The recommendation to wear a face covering does not apply to children and people aged under 12 years, individuals with breathing difficulties, and those who have physical conditions that make it difficult to wear a face covering. Home made face masks need to be treated as single use masks, and can be washed after use with your regular laundry. Check out www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-masks-and-coveringscovid-19 for a more information on masks, materials and how to wear your mask safely. Some clever people like Lois Kemp are making masks. Find instructions online and have fun making and decorating your own. A bandana or scarf can be substituted but a good fitting mask is preferable. Test your mask by making sure you cannot blow out a candle through it. Get creative, stay healthy, stay warm and stay tuned! If you need extra support, Colac Otway Shire has a COVID Relief Hotline 5236 9440 for food support and masks. and the Neighbourhood House can help with food boxes and have a small supply of masks available. Ph 5236 6597
Thanks Noor for this May Gibbs Illustration from 1919 during the Spanish Flu outbreak
Lois Kemp styling her home made mask
FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE A $300 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Isolation Payment is available to eligible Victorians, including parents and guardians of children, who are required to self-isolate while waiting for the results of a coronavirus (COVID-19) test. If you have been instructed by the Department of Health and Human Services to self-isolate or quarantine at home because you are either diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) or are a close contact of a confirmed case you may be eligible for the $1500 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Worker Support Payment. If you are the parent or guardian of a child under 16 that has been instructed by the Department of Health and Human Services to self-isolate or quarantine at home because they are either diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) or are a close contact of a confirmed case, you may be eligible for the $1500 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Worker Support Payment. (Sourced from DHHS website)
COVID UPDATE: As of MIDNIGHT THURSDAY 30TH JULY, it is against the law to
VISIT PEOPLE IN THEIR HOME or have VISITORS TO YOUR HOME. As of MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST, EVERYONE MUST WEAR A MASK when you leave your home in Victoria. Go to www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus for up to date info. This information was correct at the time of printing.