Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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For the latest information and advice on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) visit the Department of Health and Human Services or call the 24-hour Coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398.

Translated resources

Resources for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

State Of Emergency Extended

21 June, 2020

The State of Emergency has been extended until 11.59pm on 19 July 2020, which allows the Victorian Government to continue to enforce physical distancing and isolation requirements, as well as other directions from the Chief Health Officer.

Stay safe by washing your hands, keeping your distance from others, and staying home if you feel unwell.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus you should get tested.

For more information about restrictions and to protect yourself go to https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

COVID-19 - Where can I get tested?

COVID-19 - Information for the 2020 Ski Season

Urgent Care

If you are concerned you may have been exposed to or have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19), it’s important you limit exposure to other people to reduce the risk of transmission.

If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call 000 and ask for an ambulance and tell the operator your recent travel history.
If you have a fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of sense of smell you should phone ahead before attending a GP clinic, urgent care or emergency department. They will tell you what to do.
- Bright Hospital 03 5755 0100
- Myrtleford Hospital 03 5751 9300
- Mt Beauty Hospital 03 5754 3500
Signage has been placed outside Alpine Health hospitals asking you to STOP and return to your car and CALL the number on the sign and ask for the Nurse in Charge. They will tell you what to do.
If you need to attend urgent care for other reasons you will be screened prior to entry to the facility.
If you live closer to Albury Wodonga or Wangaratta then regional offsite Coronavirus assessment centres have been set up. You need to call ahead to find out what to do.
- Albury Wodonga Health (02) 6058 4444
- Northeast Health Wangaratta 1800 324 942
Or you can call the 24-hour Coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398

DHHS has a COVID-19 interactive self-assessment tool that uses the latest advice and will help you better understand the risks and precautions you need to take based on your personal circumstances.

Visitors to Hospitals

Visitors to Residential Aged Care

Community Home Support

Home Visit Screening

In order to have a consistent approach to ensuring that it is appropriate to proceed with a home visit, Alpine Health is introducing a COVID -19 Home Visit Screen Tool.

•   Staff will ask a series of questions over the phone to determine if it is appropriate for staff to enter the client’s home.
•   If staff cannot contact clients by phone, they try to contact clients in person to conduct the screening.
•   If the screening process identifies that staff should not enter a client’s home, then staff will be unable to provide services
•   This screening is to be conducted by all staff prior to the commencement of every service and prior to entering the client’s home to provide services

In order to provide safe and effective services, some modifications to services will apply.

alpine@home District Nursing - will use a modified admission process

Home Care – Home Care Services will be provided with the following changes

Accompanied shopping may be replaced by unaccompanied shopping. Each client who receives accompanied shopping will be contacted directly regarding their service.
Individual Social Support/Accompanied outings will be modified to in home-based services only.

Meals on Wheels – will continue on the same schedule. If someone is unwell meals will be left at the door with agreement from the client. Staff will not be entering homes.

Home Care Packages – Case managers will liaise with clients to determine the need for essential home visits and ongoing service including home care, and shopping.

alpine@home Activity Group - Return of modified services. Alpine Health is providing alternative service delivery arrangements in support of those clients who are seeking extra support.

indigo@home Centre Based Meals - cancelled from Tuesday 24^th March until further notice.

indigo@home Community Transport – limited to medical appointments only.

We ask that clients let us know if they or someone at home is unwell before our staff arrive. Alpine Health will maintain contact with clients throughout any illness or isolation period.

Early Intervention & Monitoring Programs

Dietitian and Diabetes educator are continuing their usual schedule of clinics and utilising telehealth. They remain available for inpatient and residential aged care referrals.

Pulmonary and Cardiac Education and Exercise (PACE) has moved to a remote model of working. The PACE is using telehealth to run individual and group sessions. The program continues to accept referrals.

Breast Care Nurse continues to receive referrals and support her existing caseload. All consultations are via telehealth

The Youth Worker remains available for consultations with young people and is working with the schools to support young people while school is being run remotely.

Alpine Institute

Alpine Institute students resume on-site learning from the 19th May 2020 with physical distancing rules in place.

Diploma of Nursing Students will be on-site Monday, Tuesday and Thursday

Certificate students on Wednesday from 10.00am -1.00pm.

Service Update

Return of EPIQ Program to Alpine Institute - 29 June, 2020

The EPIQ program will recommence in late June with internationally qualified registered nurses who currently reside in Australia. After the 12 week bridging program, EPIQ students will be able to seek registration and continue their nursing careers in Australia.

Return of First Aid & CPR Courses through Alpine Institute - 10 June,2020

As COVID-19 restrictions have reduced and following the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) recommendation, Alpine Institute has decided to reintroduce Provide First Aid & CPR courses to our community with the first course held on 10th June 2010. Alpine Institute will continue to provide all necessary resources to maintain participant’s health and safety.

For more information visit Alpine Institute

Return of alpine@home Activity Group - 26 May 2020

Alpine@home Activity Group has recommenced this week following the easing of restrictions. A modified format with groups of up to 6 clients will be used and all sites are screening clients before they join the group and are maintaining strict social distancing and hand washing practices. Additionally, cleaning of the bus and venues will be actioned after each session. Staff have been contacting clients and getting them organized to come to activity group. After weeks of staying at home, our clients are very excited to come to Activity Group and see their friends again.

Additional Supports during COVID19

Tips for staying mentally healthy during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

During this challenging time, it’s important to pay attention to our mental health and not completely cut ourselves off from our loved ones and our community. Tips from Vic Health include;

Keep socially connected to others via phone, social media, email or skype.

If the news is bothering you, take a break from the news

Create a routine to maintain a sense of normalcy, such as regular physical activity, cooking healthy meals and continuing to work or study if you feel well enough.

Focus on what you can control – for example washing your hands frequently, following physical distancing guidelines – instead of what you can’t control ie what other people do.

To avoid panic, get your information from reliable sources such as the Federal and Victorian health departments.

Practice mindfulness: focus on the moment you’re in. Meditation and breathing exercises can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Try these resources Smiling Mind, Stop, Breathe and Think or Headspace.

Take stock of your emotions: it’s completely normal to feel concerned or upset about what is happening. If you feel anxious, talk to a trusted friend or family member or seek professional help:

Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Headspace: 1800 650 890

Advice for people at risk of coronavirus (COVID-19)

Some people are at greater risk of more serious illness with COVID-19. As we move towards living in a COVIDSafe Australia, people still need to take extra steps to protect those most at risk. Follow the links to the Department of Health for more information

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people in remote communities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people living in remote communities are at greater risk from COVID-19.

Older people
Older people need to take extra care to protect themselves from coronavirus. They may also need help with food and meals while staying at home.
People in aged care facilities
People living in residential aged care facilities are at greater risk of more serious illness. Special protections are in place to minimise their risk.
People with chronic conditions
People with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems are at greater risk of more serious illness if they are infected with coronavirus.
People with disability
It is important we all take care to protect people with a disability from coronavirus.

Accessing Emergency Food

Healthy eating is one of the key actions to increase overall wellbeing and prevent chronic disease in the Alpine Shire. Our health promotion work involves creating supportive environments in the community which make healthy food choices the easiest choice.

Food Security during COVID-19

As part of our work in healthy eating, we’ve compiled an Alpine Communities Food Access Guide to support community members at this challenging time to access emergency food, with helpful resources included like how to store food, cook with leftovers, substitute ingredients & grow your own at home.

Family Violence help is available - COVID19 is no excuse for family violence

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000.

Or if it is safe to do so, for help and support contact Safe Steps 24/7 crisis service on 1800 015 188.

Protecting Victorians remains a top priority during the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency.

Self-isolation and increased stress during COVID-19 may see an increase in family violence incidents because people will find themselves at home with an abusive partner and without access to their usual supports.

Family violence frontline services, including crisis accommodation, police and courts, continue to operate to support women, children, men and families during the Coronavirus emergency.

All family violence support services are available via a phone call and the police response is ‘business as usual’. Please seek help if needed.

Ovens Murray–Family Violence Partnership

Download State and National Services, and Local Services in the Ovens Murray Region

Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO)

You can now apply for an intervention order online, when and where it’s best for you.

Please read the information sheet before you apply online - Information Sheet for FVIO online Application

Visit www.fvio.mcv.vic.gov.au and click on the Apply Online button to complete your online application.

Alpine Health News Items

15 June 2020 - De-escalation of Hawthorn Village COVID-19 Outbreak
11 June 2020 - Hawthorn Village COVID-19 Update
8 June 2020 - COVID-19 Outbreak at Hawthorn Village Bright
4 June 2020 - Information for Visitors to the Alpine Shire
20 May 2020 - Coronavirus testing for Victorian School staff
7 May 2020 - Victorian Testing Blitz
26 March 2020 - Visitor Screening
19 March 2020 - Coronavirus COVID 19 update
5 March 2020 - Protecting our clients, residents and patients

Resources

Department of Health and Human Services

Information and advice about coronavirus - symptoms, travel and what to do to reduce the risk of infection.

Department of Health and Ageing

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for residents of residential care services, family members and visitors