[Edited and collated extracts from public addresses]
The month-long extension will ensure the Government can continue its strict enforcement of social distancing, isolation and other vital directions put in place by the Chief Health Officer to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Read the full announcement from Premier Daniel Andrews here.
From 28 March to 12 April 2020 Victoria Police have conducted 19,303 spot checks at homes, businesses and non-essential services across the state and issued over 900 fines - including to those in our community doing the wrong thing.
If community members do not have a valid reason to away from their home, THEY CAN BE FINED and PEOPLE MAY DIE as a result of their recklessness.
Check State and Territory websites for further enforcement information.
Please reinforce this important message with your communities.
Livestreaming lets you link people into services, seminars or other events without needing to be physically present. This meets the Covid-19 rules for social distancing.
Examples of livestreaming
CyberParent is available in a total of 17 different languages, including: English, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Dinka, Farsi, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Pashto, Spanish, Somali, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese.
Find out more and download
At these times, especially when people may be considering accessing some of their superannuation under special early release provisions, increased levels of watchfulness and scrutiny need to be applied by everyone.
Super Funds have a range of controls and measures designed to protect your super. But there are also some important steps you can take to ensure your super stays safe now and into the future.
What to look out for:
Suspicious calls from unknown persons claiming to be a financial adviser or investment manager trying to obtain your personal information.
Any unsolicited advice from a third party (via phone or email) that is not your super fund.
Being pressured into taking action over the phone; and
Investment opportunities that promise a high return with little or no risk during this time.
What you can do:
Always login to your account through saved or publicly-available methods, ensure all your details are up-to-date, and reset your password if you have not done so within the last 12 months or believe you may have encountered a scammer.
Never give out your super account or bank account information, including your tax file number or myGov details to any unknown caller. If you need to speak to us, call us directly.
If you think a scammer has contacted you:
You should also report them to the ACCC report a scam page. For tax related fraud, contact the ATO (13 10 20) or the financial regulator, ASIC (1300 300 630).
If you think a scammer has your details, update your passwords and PINs for myGov, Super Online Portals and any other services you think may be at risk as soon as possible.
All were welcomed to Australia on a temporary basis for different reasons including to fill skills shortages; to study as full fee-paying international students; to visit family and friends; or to work and holiday.
They are an important part of our economy and society. For example, there are over 8,000 skilled medical professionals on temporary visas supporting our health system right now.
Read full message from the Hon. Alan Tudge MP here.
The Australian Red Cross will also receive $7 million to deliver Emergency Relief and counselling support to up to 30,000 temporary migrants over the next six months. The Federal Government will continue to work with the sector to monitor the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and allocate further funding over the next six months to where it is most needed.
Specifically during COVID-19, Asian Australian Alliance have created an online reporting database, and the #UnityOverFear campaign has an open letter and petition to be sent to Prime Minister for tabling in parliament.
Generally, if you, or someone you know, has experienced discrimination or vilification on the basis of race or religion, resist taking it personally. Logically the perpetrator knows nothing about you as a person and speaking out of their Ignorance on loud speaker. Forgive them their Ignorance and trespass. After, do calmly lodge incidents and complaints with Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) as together we can make a longer lasting difference.
You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.
Start a conversation with these four steps:
BeyondBlue Coping with isolation and being at home. Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. Phone support, website, information and resources regularly updated with advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time.
The procedures these categories cover include:
Best wishes for skilful collaborations, less Suffering, causes for less Suffering, Good Health and Time to Enjoy it.
Bye bye to Essentialists for now, please leave to attend to the essential work. That is all from Carey at this time.
Meanwhile, if with a surplus of time, this song is offered. Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round. And again. Or not.
Topics:
- Victorian State of Emergency Extended until at least midnight 11 May 2020
- Stage Three restrictions remain in place
- Summary of Assistance for Victorian businesses
- Police Conducting Spot-Checks and Issuing Fines for Breaches
- Advice on Livestreaming and Online Learning in Shared Environments
- CyberParent app promoting safe internet use
- Increased Scammer Risk to Individuals, Families and Businesses
- ATO Support available for businesses affected by COVID-19
- Coronavirus and Temporary Visa Holders
- Information for International Students
- Emergency Relief and Food Relief
- Tackling Ignorance, Racism and Opportunism
- Struggling to Stay Calm, Connected and Collected In Challenging Times? Resources For Every Day Of The Year
- Elective surgery restrictions to be eased from 28 April 2020
- Acknowledgment to Sources
- Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound
1. Victorian State of Emergency Extended until at least midnight 11 May 2020
Premier Daniel Andrews announced on 12 April 2020 that the State of Emergency declared last month will be extended until at least midnight 11 May 2020.The month-long extension will ensure the Government can continue its strict enforcement of social distancing, isolation and other vital directions put in place by the Chief Health Officer to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Read the full announcement from Premier Daniel Andrews here.
2. Stage Three restrictions remain in place
The message to Victorians hasn’t changed: Stay home. Protect our health system. Save lives. There are only four reasons to leave your home: food and supplies, medical care and care giving, exercise, and work or education.- The COVIDSafe app speeds up contacting people exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). This helps health officials support and protect you, your friends and family. The app is now available from your smart phone's operating system's store. Read more.
- Testing for coronavirus is now available to every Australian with mild respiratory symptoms including a cough and sore throat. Read more.
- Job seekers will be exempt from reporting their mutual obligation requirements up to and including 22 May 2020. Read More.
- Everyone should stay home unless you are: shopping for what you need, receiving medical care, exercising or travelling to work or education. Read more.
- No more than two people should be out in public together, with the exception of family and household groups.
- Places of Worship are closed. Services may be live-streamed from inside Places of Worship but ONLY Officiating Clergy/Monastics/Teachers and other Essential Attendants to the livestreaming activity can be present.
3. Summary of Assistance for Victorian businesses
- Rental relief: $500 million package announced 15/4 to assist tenants and landlords in Victoria. More
- A comprehensive list of existing relief packages from Victorian and Federal Governments plus links to other associations and resources. More
4. Police Conducting Spot-Checks and Issuing Fines for Breaches
Police will continue to conduct spot-checks and fine individuals and organisations who do not comply with the social-distancing restrictions.From 28 March to 12 April 2020 Victoria Police have conducted 19,303 spot checks at homes, businesses and non-essential services across the state and issued over 900 fines - including to those in our community doing the wrong thing.
If community members do not have a valid reason to away from their home, THEY CAN BE FINED and PEOPLE MAY DIE as a result of their recklessness.
Check State and Territory websites for further enforcement information.
Please reinforce this important message with your communities.
5. Advice on Livestreaming and Online Learning in Shared Environments
If you are new to livestreaming and looking for a simple guide this flyer provides links to sites which explain the basics. The examples are from NSW but the principles are the same.Livestreaming lets you link people into services, seminars or other events without needing to be physically present. This meets the Covid-19 rules for social distancing.
Examples of livestreaming
- By YouTube: Lakemba Mosque and St Mary’s Cathedral
- By Facebook Live: Antiochian Orthodox Church
- Other examples: In Church, Faith Baptist, Hope Point Church, and Hillsong Church
- See also article from Plum Village
- Video /audio input (computer, (video) camera, microphone, mobile phone)
- An internet connection
- Access to a livestreaming service (see below)
- A computer or a mobile phone with internet or mobile phone access.
- Facebook Live: for reaching people with Facebook accounts using computer or mobile device. More: Hubspot, Facebook or Techsoup
- Zoom Meeting: good for interacting with participants, via computer or mobile device. The host needs a Zoom account but not the participant. More.
- Instagram Live: for reaching people with an Instagram account via mobile only. More: Instagram or YouTube.
- YouTube Live: requires computer with webcam or regular camera and a YouTube account for the host. More: Google and YouTube
- Google Classroom: a free web service, developed by Google for schools, that aims to simplify creating, distributing, and grading assignments in a paperless way. The primary purpose of Google Classroom is to streamline the process of sharing files between teachers and students. More.
- Apple Classroom: an app for iPad and Mac that helps guided learning, share work, and manage student devices. It supports both shared and one-to-one environments. You can launch a specific app, website, or textbook page on any iPad in the class, share documents between teacher and students, or share student work on a TV, monitor, or projector using Apple TV. You can even see which apps students are working in, mute student devices, assign a specific shared iPad for each student, and reset a student’s password. And when class ends, you can see a summary of your students’ activities. More.
- Microsoft Teams: an app that acts as a homepage for classroom assignments and resources. The platform, which comes free for schools or districts using Office 365, works with OneNote Class Notebooks—a digital workspace where students can find and share assignments, receive feedback and collaborate digitally. More.
6. CyberParent app promoting safe internet use
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, kids are undoubtedly spending more time online. The Australian Multicultural Foundation (AMF) has developed a web app called CyberParent which encourages safe and healthy internet use in Australian homes.CyberParent is available in a total of 17 different languages, including: English, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Dinka, Farsi, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Pashto, Spanish, Somali, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese.
Find out more and download
7. Increased Scammer Risk to Individuals, Families and Businesses
As a result of widespread changes triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a heightened risk that scammers will seek to take advantage of people’s uncertainty in an effort to embezzle and steal from Australians.At these times, especially when people may be considering accessing some of their superannuation under special early release provisions, increased levels of watchfulness and scrutiny need to be applied by everyone.
Super Funds have a range of controls and measures designed to protect your super. But there are also some important steps you can take to ensure your super stays safe now and into the future.
What to look out for:
Suspicious calls from unknown persons claiming to be a financial adviser or investment manager trying to obtain your personal information.
Any unsolicited advice from a third party (via phone or email) that is not your super fund.
Being pressured into taking action over the phone; and
Investment opportunities that promise a high return with little or no risk during this time.
What you can do:
Always login to your account through saved or publicly-available methods, ensure all your details are up-to-date, and reset your password if you have not done so within the last 12 months or believe you may have encountered a scammer.
Never give out your super account or bank account information, including your tax file number or myGov details to any unknown caller. If you need to speak to us, call us directly.
If you think a scammer has contacted you:
You should also report them to the ACCC report a scam page. For tax related fraud, contact the ATO (13 10 20) or the financial regulator, ASIC (1300 300 630).
If you think a scammer has your details, update your passwords and PINs for myGov, Super Online Portals and any other services you think may be at risk as soon as possible.
8. ATO Support available for businesses affected by COVID-19
- COVID-19: wages subsidy. The JobKeeper Payment provides a wage subsidy to businesses. More: ATO
- Early access upto $10,000 x 2 from individual super (COVID-19)applications now open from eligible applicants until 30 June 2020 to submit 2019-20 application. Access via myGov account linked to the ATO. ATO
- Increased thresholds to support your business. You can access expanded instant asset write-off and accelerated depreciation. More: ATO
- Providing benefits to employees in tough times. These common scenarios will help you with your FBT obligations. More: ATO
- Avoid scams and identity theft. Scammers use every chance to target you, especially when times are tough. More: ATO
9. Coronavirus and Temporary Visa Holders
The Federal Government is making a number of changes to temporary visa holder arrangements during the coronavirus crisis in order to protect the health and livelihoods of Australians, support critical industries, and assist with the rapid recovery post the virus.All were welcomed to Australia on a temporary basis for different reasons including to fill skills shortages; to study as full fee-paying international students; to visit family and friends; or to work and holiday.
They are an important part of our economy and society. For example, there are over 8,000 skilled medical professionals on temporary visas supporting our health system right now.
Read full message from the Hon. Alan Tudge MP here.
10. Information for International Students
The Federal Government knows that COVID-19 is affecting international students in Australia and a range of additional support is available at this difficult time.- Students should speak to their education providers to determine what arrangements for remote learning are currently in place. The majority of providers have moved to an online or remote learning model.
- International students in their first year of studies who are experiencing financial difficulties should contact their education provider in the first instance to see what support may be available.
- Students who have been here longer than 12 months who find themselves in financial hardship will be able to access their Australian superannuation. Visit www.ato.gov.au for more information.
- International students are able to work up to 40 hours per fortnight. International students working in supermarkets, aged care and as nurses have had these hours extended until 1 May to support these critical sectors in the current health emergency.
- International students can also contact international.students@dese.gov.au or 1300 981 621 (9am to 5pm AEDST Monday to Friday).
Victorian Government announced 29 April 2020 an offer of a relief payment of up to $1,100 as part of a emergency support package to International students. Up to 40,000 international students enrolled at Victorian universities, TAFEs, private vocational education and training providers and English language colleges who have lost wages and work due to the coronavirus pandemic could benefit from the relief payment, which covers demonstrated lost income up to $1,100. More
11. Emergency Relief and Food Relief
There may be people in your communities in financial distress and hardship, including those on temporary visas that cannot access the Jobkeeper or Jobseeker Programs. Please see some links to the Department of Social Services website which may assist:The Australian Red Cross will also receive $7 million to deliver Emergency Relief and counselling support to up to 30,000 temporary migrants over the next six months. The Federal Government will continue to work with the sector to monitor the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and allocate further funding over the next six months to where it is most needed.
12. Tackling Ignorance, Racism and Opportunism
Viruses don't discriminate, people do. Since time immemorial. It is unfortunate that at already challenging times, individuals of Asian appearance and media report an increase in coronavirus-related incidents of racism.Specifically during COVID-19, Asian Australian Alliance have created an online reporting database, and the #UnityOverFear campaign has an open letter and petition to be sent to Prime Minister for tabling in parliament.
Generally, if you, or someone you know, has experienced discrimination or vilification on the basis of race or religion, resist taking it personally. Logically the perpetrator knows nothing about you as a person and speaking out of their Ignorance on loud speaker. Forgive them their Ignorance and trespass. After, do calmly lodge incidents and complaints with Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) as together we can make a longer lasting difference.
13. Struggling to Stay Calm, Connected and Collected In Challenging Times? Resources For Every Day Of The Year
R U OK? A conversation can change a life. inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with anyone who may be struggling with life.You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.
Start a conversation with these four steps:
- a) Ask R U OK?
- b) Listen
- c) Encourage action
- d) Check in
BeyondBlue Coping with isolation and being at home. Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. Phone support, website, information and resources regularly updated with advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time.
14. Elective surgery restrictions to be eased from Tuesday 28 April 2020
The Prime Minister Tuesday 21 April 2020 announced that category 2 and selected category 3 elective surgery procedures will recommence in the private health system after the Anzac Day weekend.The procedures these categories cover include:
- All IVF
- All screening procedures, where they have ceased
- Post cancer reconstructions, including breast reconstruction, dental procedures like fitting dentures, braces, non-high-speed drilling and basic fillings
- All procedures for children under the age of 18
- All joint replacements including knees, hips, and shoulders
- All cataract and eye procedures; and
- Endoscopy and colonoscopy
15. Acknowledgment to Sources
This is a consolidated account of information current at time of issuance, sourced, collated and provided by Victorian Jewish Community COVID-19 Taskforce, Buddhist Council of Victoria and Buddhist Council of NSW, various Government Authorities and community organisations, received with gratitude.Best wishes for skilful collaborations, less Suffering, causes for less Suffering, Good Health and Time to Enjoy it.
Bye bye to Essentialists for now, please leave to attend to the essential work. That is all from Carey at this time.
16. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound
Let us cheer on the global scientists, medical fraternity and authorities racing across the clock separately and together in new found ways, to find a cure, manage the situation, and if not, create mass-producable innoculation.Meanwhile, if with a surplus of time, this song is offered. Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round. And again. Or not.