Community representatives and leaders have been providing guidance to their communities, colleagues, families and friends. They have played an important role to date and we are calling upon them to continue their efforts.
Working together to stop the spread
The Premier, Minister for Health and Chief Health Officer have been very clear that every Victorian needs to adhere to the revised restrictions in order to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and to protect the lives of all Victorians.
Over the past few months, Victorian Government departments and agencies have provided Victorians with ongoing health advice and information about the rapidly changing situation and the restrictions that must be followed by everyone.
In one of the most multicultural and successful societies in the world, it’s important to ensure that all members of the community are appropriately informed. Information about coronavirus (COVID-19) and how to stay safe is available in 52 languages, and campaigns have been run, and continue to be distributed to support greater access to information and to increase awareness and understanding of the issues. This is an unprecedented number of translated materials produced for a crisis. Additional information continues to be distributed through multicultural media outlets and social media platforms.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has and continues to pose a risk to all Victorians, regardless of where we live or what cultural or faith background we have. This virus can affect any one of us at any time. And as we know, some members of our community are particularly at risk, including older people and those with pre-existing conditions or compromised immune systems.
Community representatives and leaders, members of the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Regional Advisory Councils, faith leaders including members of the Multifaith Advisory Group have been providing guidance to their communities, colleagues, families and friends. They have played an important role to date and we are calling upon them to continue their efforts.
We want to ensure that the latest information and changes to the restrictions reach everyone, including those Victorians from new and emerging communities.
We are again asking community and faith leaders and representatives to reach out to those who may require assistance to access information or who may need practical support or advice. We also ask you to assist in minimising the spread of misinformation.
Testing is vitally important. Diagnosing coronavirus (COVID-19) early, even when symptoms are mild, helps us to slow the spread of the virus. Getting tested means that you can take informed action to protect yourself and your loved ones. You will be doing your bit to protect all Victorians.
Victorians who are experiencing any of the following symptoms should get tested: fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of sense of smell. In certain circumstances headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also be considered.
Find out more about symptoms and getting tested. Find out where to get tested.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Office of the Chief Health Officer, other departments and community leaders to run additional information sessions to assist communities to access information, receive support and understand and adhere to the requirements.
Remember, compared to what has transpired in many parts of the world, we have done an exceptional job to date. But it isn’t over yet, and we must continue to work together to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Because we are all in this together.
