Expert Opinion Panel
Jason Bryce
First if you or kids are feeling unwell or you have health concerns or questions, call the Australian government’s Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080, 24 hours / 7 days.
Every parent is worried about how the Coronavirus might impact their family right now.
Shopping is difficult and that makes feeding the kids stressful. Every parent is asking themselves whether the kids should stay home from school and how does that happen? You might even be down to rationing toilet paper….
Social distancing for Covid-19 is now important in Australia
Sports, movies, parties and events are off and the family is at home, probably feeling a bit socially isolated. But social distancing is a proven way to slow the spread of Covid-19, ordered by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
How to isolate yourself and children at home
Yesterday, the 19 March the Department of Health published updated guidelines for isolating yourself at home.
Do you need to self-isolate?
- All people who arrive in Australia after midnight 15 March 2020 are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Everyone who thinks they may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
During the 14 days of isolation you need to stay at home and only make essential outings – to the shops, chemist etc. The Department Of Health has this information about managing isolation at home:
- Reassure young children using age-appropriate language.
- Ask the school to supply assignments or homework by post or email.
- Keep up normal daily routines, such as eating and exercise, as much as possible.
- Regularly clean surfaces that are frequently touched such as door handles, light switches, kitchen and bathroom areas with a household detergent or disinfectant.
- Do not go to public places including work, school, childcare, university or other gatherings.
- If you need to leave the house, wear a mask and take precautions – washing hands, cover cough and not touching face.
- Do not invite visitors to your house. Only people who usually live with you should be in the home.
Coronavirus: Useful helplines:
Australian government Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080, 24 hours, 7 days.
If you are having trouble paying your bills and debts, you may be entitled to financial hardship assistance from your bank or credit card issuer or loan provider. This includes financial hardship caused by coronavirus.
Commonwealth Bank Financial Hardship: 133 095
Westpac Financial Hardship helpline: 1800 067 497
NAB Financial Hardship helpline is 1800 701 599
ANZ Bank Financial Hardship helpline is 1800 149 549
Jason Bryce
Jason is an expert business, finance and consumer issues journalist specialising in personal finance, debt, consumer issues and banking, Jason is now based in Melbourne and has worked for ABC TV, News Ltd and plenty of magazines and online publishers. You can keep up to date with the latest Centrelink news and information at Jason’s Facebook page, Centrelink News.
Jason is a proud single dad of three children who are all growing up fast. Follow Jason on Twitter @JasonBryce. Jason’s personal website is www.jasonbryce.com
