The world is in a difficult time right now with the coronavirus (COVID-19), making people unsure about what's going on and if we're safe. What we do know however is that coronavirus is a new kind of virus that is spreading across many Communities in Australia. It can make some people very sick and can lead to severe illness, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia or death.

Easing of restrictions in Victoria

From midnight Tuesday 12 May 2020

• 10 people allowed outdoor or at public gatherings if you really need to
• 5 people allowed to visit a household if you really need to
• 20 people allowed at funerals or 30 if it’s held outdoors 
• 10 people allowed at weddings
• No overnight stays (includes homes, hotels, & camping grounds etc.)
• Working from home is still encouraged
• Social distancing is still to be practiced

Things we must do, to keep ourselves safe:

1. Wash your hands with soap fro 20 seconds or use an alcohol based gel
2. Sneeze into your elbow or a tissue (don't forget to bin the tissue immediately)
3. Try not to touch your face
4. Practice social distancing by staying 1.5m from people you don't live with (this is a tricky one)
5. Stay home if you're sick
6. No more than 10 visitors unless they provide care and support when you are unwell, disabled, elderly or pregnant or if you are providing care for them.
7. Up to 5 visitors can visit your home at one time
8. Avoid touching things outside of your home with your hands that everyone else touches (like traffic light buttons and light switches)
9. Make sure you stay in touch with family and friends online if you don't live with them
10. Check on your Elders online, by phone or visit them - but please - keep the number of visitors down and still practice social distancing and hand washing 
11. Stay physically active
12. Stay informed about schools if you have young ones 

If you feel sick 

Available who shows symptoms of coronavirus, such as breathing difficulties, sore throat, cough, and fever can go for a free test.

• Get tested if you're not feeling well. Call your local ACCO or the COVID-19 hotline 1800 675 398 to find out where.
• Talk with our employer and try to work-from-home for 14 days (if you’re well enough) if you're showing any symptoms of, or have been to exposed to any confirmed persons with COVID-19.
• Contact your employer and self-isolate for 14 days, if you've just returned from overseas.  
• Keep-up-to date with the latest COVID-19 information

We're a high-risk group (due to higher rates of pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease) so it's important that if we have coronavirus symptoms - we get tested early.

Call your local ACCO or the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 to see where you can get tested.