Information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) #3

8 April 2020

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Social distancing requirements

With the Easter, school holiday and ANZAC Day period about to start, the Australian Government would like to remind the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) community about the important social distancing requirements and restrictions around public gatherings.

As we work together to protect our local community against coronavirus, you need to remember this is not the time to travel, get together or have people visit you. Everyone has their part to play to keep all residents safe.

Social distancing

Social distancing is a key way you can stop the spread of coronavirus – and protect the elderly and vulnerable members of our community. Social distancing means people

• stay at home and only go out if it is absolutely essential (to get important things like food and medicine). The elderly and those with chronic illnesses should isolate themselves at home and not go out.
• keep 1.5 metres away from people
• avoid physical greetings such as handshaking, hugs and kisses
• avoid public gatherings and visiting people who are at higher risk from coronavirus, like older people and those with chronic illnesses.
• Non-essential gatherings are limited to two people (indoor or outdoor).

You can still keep in touch with loved ones while you practise social distancing:

• use video chats, make phone calls or talk online. Talk to people about how you are feeling.
• chat with neighbours while keeping a safe 1.5 metres apart. Ask them if they are okay or need anything.

Public gatherings

Public gatherings significantly increase the risk of COVID-19 spreading.

To keep our community safe during the COVID-19 outbreak and stop its spread, we need to change the way we hold gatherings and cultural ceremonies to help protect older people and those who already have health problems. Culture is important but for now:

• weddings must be limited to 5 people, including the couple, the celebrant and the witnesses. Social distancing must be observed.
• funerals and Sorry Business must be limited to no more than 10 people. Social distancing must be observed.

Local police will enforce all social distancing and public gathering restrictions as needed, so please do the right thing.

As at 7 April 2020 there are currently no cases reported in the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) and the Australian Government is committed to keeping the community informed as we continue to respond to the pandemic.

• Sorry Business and Coronavirus PDF: 156 KB
• Protect community and Elders to stop the spread of COVID-19 PDF: 154 KB

Feeling unwell?

• Call HealthDirect 1800 022 222 or by visiting healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus
• If you have serious and severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical assistance.
• A COVID-19 Assessment Clinic is located at Shoalhaven Hospital in the Home (HITH) area. Entry to the clinic is via the Shoalhaven Street driveway. The clinic is open from 8:30am to 4.30pm, seven days a week.
  Phone: 1300 002 108.

Need support?

Call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

Remember

• Good hygiene (wash hands frequently, cover your coughs, avoiding touching face, put tissues straight into a bin, clean objects and surfaces regularly).
• Know how to self-isolate if you need to (you must self-isolate for 14 days if you have COVID-19, you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, you arrived in Australia after midnight on 15 March 2020).
• All travellers returning or arriving from overseas or people who been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 must self-isolate for 14 days. This applies to everyone, even if you have no symptoms.
• The Booderee National Park closure has been extended and will remain closed to visitors and non-essential travellers until 30 April 2020. This decision was announced by the Director of National Parks on 6 April 2020.

More information

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, consult the Australian Government Department of Health website or call the Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you require translating or interpreting services, please call 131 450.

Jervis Bay Territory Administration