Victoria moves to COVIDSafe Summer from 11:59pm 6 December 2020.
Visit DHHS Victoria for the full list of changes to restrictions.
Visitors to any hospital or care facility across Victoria must still wear a face mask.
If you have any of the symptoms, however mild, you should seek advice and get tested. To get further advice, call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398, your general practitioner or use the DHHS online self-assessment tool. The symptoms to watch out for are:
If your child has symptoms they can be tested at Alpine Health, however children under 12 years old must have a referral from a general practitioner (GP).
Asymptomatic testing may be carried out in preparation for surgery or medical treatments at the request of the treating facility.
Tests for these reasons are not Medicare-funded and therefore not available at Alpine Health. You can get a test for this at your own expense. Locally you can contact https://consumer.healius.com.au/
Unless you have been directed to get tested by the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), only people with symptoms are being tested at Alpine Health sites.
If you are concerned for any reason then seek further advice from the 24-hour coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398, or contact your general practitioner (GP).
You can get a test for this at your own expense. Locally you can contact https://consumer.healius.com.au/
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.
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.
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
alpine@home District Nursing - will use a modified admission process
Home Care – Home Care Services will be provided with the following changes
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 24th 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Download State and National Services, and Local Services in the Ovens Murray Region
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.
Information and advice about coronavirus - symptoms, travel and what to do to reduce the risk of infection.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for residents of residential care services, family members and visitors