Older people and those with compromised immune systems, are among those at risk of the more serious forms of Coronavirus.
COTA Western Australia is working with the State Government and allied organisations to provide input and receive information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Even if you are feeling well, it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of this virus. COTA (WA) staff, volunteers and programs have begun remote working arrangements. Contact us if you have any questions, or give us a call on 9472 0104.
A State of Emergency and the WA Roadmap
The Government of Western Australia has declared a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency in response to COVID-19 coronavirus.
This includes a range of travel restrictions and quarantine measures.
Visit: www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/covid-19-coronavirus-state-of-emergency-declarations
A roadmap out of COVID-19 has been released that specifies a phased easing of restrictions: www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-wa-roadmap
Keep up physical distancing
Always call ahead, maintain a distance of at least 1.5m from others and plan your contact and route.
If you think that you have been exposed to COVID-19
Talk to someone about your symptoms, call the Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice: 1800 020 080.
You can also access the Health Direct symptom checker online: www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker/tool/basic-details
Call a COVID clinic ahead of time: healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/COVID-clinics
COVID-19 and Older Australians
Council on the Ageing Australia and allied services have collaborated on a Factsheet for COVID-19 and older Australians.
Visit: www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-older-australians
As well as specific advice for older Australians: www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/advice-for-people-at-risk-of-coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-older-people
The COVID-19 Tracing app: COVIDSafe
In the case of a potential contact with a person positive for COVID-19, their contact with the community will be traced manually. The COVIDSafe app is designed to use your mobile phone to speed up contacting people who may have been exposed.
COTA (WA) have created a guide to the app for older Australians: cotawa.org.au/CovidSafeMay
Get informed about the app, read their privacy policy, and make your choice: health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app
Can I visit friends and family in Residential Aged Care?
A chat over the phone, video call or email – rather than visits in person – is a good precaution. Call ahead and see if there are any special arrangements in place.
A fact sheet is available: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-families-and-residents-on-restricted-visits-to-residential-aged-care-facilities
Community shopping hours and delivery
Home delivery for groceries and essentials is preferred. Major supermarkets have implemented a priority system for delivery. Check the updates from Woolworths and Coles for their responses.
Many supermarkets have also implemented a dedicated “Community Hour” or care packages to improve access to essential groceries for seniors and the disadvantaged.
Older Australians can also access short-term home support services in an emergency without having had an aged care assessment. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Cahoots Connects is a new service for essential shopping delivery launched in partnership with the Department of Communities: cahoots.org.au
Medical Appointments and Pharmacy deliveries
Medicine delivery and telehealth consultations are avilable: www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/04/covid-19-national-health-plan-electronic-prescribing-a-guide-for-patients.pdf
Australia post has designed a pharmaceutical delivery service. Visit: https://auspost.com.au/pharmacy-home-deliveries to register.
Household Fees and Charges Freeze
COVID-19 economic response: Relief for businesses and households: mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2020/03/COVID-19-economic-response-Relief-for-businesses-and-households.aspx
Centrelink and Social Support
Centrelink and My Gov have increased wait times.
Don’t queue at a branch, rather call ahead or go online.
Tenancies and Rental
Support for tenants and landlords is set to include: a moratorium on eviction, a ban on rent increases, extensions on leases and lease break fees as well as suspending repair obligations if there is a financial hardship or restriction of movement.
Visit: commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/covid-19-coronavirus-consumer-protection-faq
Easing of Restrictions
A number of restrictions on activities has been revised by the WA state government. Visit www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/phase-4-easing-of-restrictions-frequently-asked-questions#socialising_community for more information
How can I get alerts on COVID-19?
Stay informed on the COVID-19 Health alert: health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert and,
https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-latest-updates
All travel alerts can be followed at: smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19
Access our newsletter for community and supporter updates from COTA (WA): cotawa.org.au/cotaconnections
COVID-19 Vaccines Rollout
From Monday, 3 May 2021, the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will be available to people aged 50 and over. Advice will be issued in coming weeks about how eligible people under 50 years old can receive the Pfizer vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccines are free to every person in Australia – that includes temporary residents, refugees, migrants, and people without valid visas. You do not need a Medicare card to get a COVID-19 vaccine. In WA, COVID-19 vaccines will be available in metropolitan Perth and at regional clinics.
To stay updated on the vaccine rollout, find trusted resources and frequently asked questions you may have, visit https://rollup.wa.gov.au
Where can I find answers to further frequently asked Questions?
Healthy WA has a FAQ and further information sheets available: healthywa.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus
For further information, visit:
The Department of Health: www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus
Healthy WA: https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/coronavirus
If you can’t find what you need, you can call the older Australian COVID-19 Hotline: 1800 171 866