Help available to cope with ongoing social distancing

The Sunshine Coast community is doing an outstanding job complying with the national public health directions, but now is not the time to be pushing for reducing the restrictions that are in place to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) according to Sunshine Coast Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group chair Mark Jamieson.

Mayor Jamieson urged residents to stay the course and plan for more months of social distancing and other measures remaining in place, if we are to ensure we have the best chance to overcome the impacts of this virus.

“Now is not the time to consider lifting or reducing restrictions,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Based on the professional health advice to date, it’s clear the social distancing measures are working and we’re slowing the spread of the virus. But there is a long way to go.

“People should not expect any changes to restrictions in the short term.

“We don’t want to give people false hope.

“We know that staying home and not being able to visit friends and extended family members is a significant challenge, but we cannot afford to take the risk of potentially accelerating community transmissions.

“For those residents who are currently at home in quarantine or self-isolating and have no other means of support, I want to emphasise that assistance can be only a phone call away.

The State Government’s Community Recovery Hotline - 1800 173 349 - was activated on March 21 in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with more than 6000 Queenslanders and 75 Sunshine Coast residents phoning in to seek practical and emotional support.

“We know there are some vulnerable people in our community who are in quarantine and who may not be able to access essential items such as medical and food supplies,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“If you know of someone who has a limited support network or whom you are concerned about, please pass on the number and ask them to make contact.

“The Community Recovery Hotline can help alleviate this pressure by connecting local people with Sunshine Coast based support.

“By phoning 1800 173 349 the team at the Department of Communities will work with other organisations to arrange non-contact delivery of essential supplies they may need,” he said.

The Department of Housing in Maroochydore has also advised they are still available for face-to-face appointments for people who require essential housing services.

Sunshine Coast Council is the chair of the Sunshine Coast Human and Social Recovery Sub-Group, which council activated to help manage the pandemic and regularly meets to address current and emerging needs within the community.

It includes representatives from multiple social service agencies including the Department of Communities, St Vincent de Paul, Rotary, Sunshine Coast neighbourhood and community centres, Salvation Army, Red Cross, IFYS, ComLink, Department of Housing and Volunteering Sunshine Coast.

For information about other council facilities and services during this time, council’s website will be updated if changes are made to council’s service delivery as a result of COVID-19.

Residents are also encouraged to download the Australian Government’s Coronavirus app for reliable up-to-date information including health advice, details about government support and the latest advice on social distancing. The app is available from Apple App Store and on Google Play.