Our Government is taking all possible steps to protect the health of Australians and the economy. Our actions have first been to initiate travel restrictions on the basis of expert medical advice. This has helped to first contain and now slow the spread of the virus in Australia.
Australia’s Coronavirus Emergency Response Plan was initiated on the 27 February 2020 two weeks ahead of the World Health Organisation declaring a pandemic. We will continue to stay ahead of this and get through as a country.
Each of us can help minimise the spread of the virus by doing three key things:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
- Cover your cough/sneeze and dispose of tissues
- Avoid contact with others if you are unwell
You only needed to get tested for COVID-19 if you have developed symptoms and have returned from overseas in the previous 14 days or if you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 and develop symptoms.
If you are in either of these categories, self-isolate and call ahead before visiting your doctor, hospital or a clinic to be tested.
If you have returned from overseas or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you must remain in self-isolation for the full 14 days.
Visit health.gov.au or call 1800 020 080 for the Australian Government’s latest information and advice about the national response to COVID-19 and health.nsw.gov.au for the NSW Government’s latest health advice and the situation in our state.
The Federal Government’s economic stimulus package
We are also taking every possible step to protect the health of the economy, to keep people in jobs, keep businesses open and ensure we bounce back as an economy stronger on the other side.
A total of $189 billion is being injected into the economy by the Government in order to keep Australians in work and businesses in business.
This includes $17.6 billion for the Government’s first economic stimulus package; $90 billion from the RBA and $15 billion from the Government to deliver easier access to finance; and $66.1 billion in today’s economic support package. The package will cushion the blow from the coronavirus for businesses and households to help us get through to the other side of the crisis.
The economic support package includes:
- Support for households including casuals, soletraders, retirees and those on income support.
- Assistance for businesses to keep people in a job.
- Regulatory protection and financial support for businesses to stay in business.
This package is a timely response to the economic challenges that Australia faces as a result of coronavirus. Australians is one of the best prepared countries to respond to the economic and health impacts of the coronavirus.
For more information on the economic stimulus package or to check your eligibility contact: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus
For more information please visit Australia.gov.au for all the information you need on coronavirus, including the most recent advice on schools, social distancing and compulsory shutdowns, and travel restrictions.
