Coronavirus Information
A COVID-19 (Coronavirus) infection can cause mild to severe respiratory illness.
The virus can spread through:
- close contact with an infectious person
- contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze
- touching surfaces infected with droplets from an infected person
People with coronavirus may experience:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
- breathing difficulties
People aged 70 or over, and people who have compromised immune and respiratory symptoms are at higher risk if they have the virus.
The best ways to reduce your risk include:
- self-isolating at home
- practice social distancing at least 1.5 metres from other people
- asking people who need to come in to your home or who assist you to wear gloves and masks
- disinfecting surfaces daily
Health
- Disability Information Helpline for COVID – 19
You can contact the Helpline in the following ways:- Phone (free call): 1800 643 787
- If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677 (SMS: 0423 677 767).
- Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
- NSW Health
- Australian Health Department (Commonwealth)
- World Health Organization (WHO) has lots of great information and videos
The Department of Health has a new online Infection Control course. It is free – consider having support workers to complete this training
For advice on other medical issues while practicing social distancing, you can call Health Direct on 1800 022 222. They can help you decide if you need to see a doctor.
Mental Health
Beyond Blue have some helpful tips on looking after yourself
The following organisations are also available to provide emotional support:
LifeLine
www.lifeline.org.au
13 11 14
Carers NSW (Carers Helpline)
www.carersnsw.org.au
1800 242 636
Domestic and family violence can get worse in stressful situations like this. 1800 RESPECT, the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service, is open 24/7.
This is a detailed resource on Mental health and psychosocial aspects of COVID-19 Outbreak
If you are finding it tough the resources at Finding Steady Ground can help
NDIS
A number of frequently asked questions and answers are also available on the NDIS website and are updated as more information is available.
Priority Home Delivery Services
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting NDIS participants during this time, the NDIA has worked with supermarket retailers to make sure NDIS participants wanting support to grocery shop, have priority access to home delivery services.
FAQs about working with Support Workers
Community Languages
NDIS has recently published information in an Easy Read format on the NDIS website, about our response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
NDIS has also published translated versions of helpful information about coronavirus (COVID-19) in five different languages.
Ethnolink have created a library of multi-lingual resources together so that all Australians can access information in their preferred language about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Resources for people with Neuromuscular Conditions
The Department of Health has a new online Infection Control course. It is free – consider having support workers to complete this training
Action Steps for Attendant Service Users in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019
A fantastic resource for people living with neuromuscular conditions to help plan and prepare for the Coronavirus. This guide focuses on anxiety management and coping strategies, managing personal care and emergency preparation.
View the plan & prep guide by NMD United here: https://bit.ly/3cPk2YM
5 Things To Know About Coronavirus And People With Disabilities
https://www.bluebadgeinsurance.com.au/dealing-with-covid-19-as-an-ndis-participant/?fbclid=IwAR3uiWEJXhy_8kvdyj8lwo3AOnvokx0QPAlLnky1RmHYC6hZ6x9lDFHQjkU
Families and Children
Helpful information and an Aided Language Display (ALD) around speaking with children about Coronavirus is available.
Preparation
Have Wheelchair Will Travel have written an article on preparing for a Lockdown
General information
The Disability Gateway has information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need in Australia.