Get the Jab Done
We have partnered with Hepburn Shire Council, Central Highlands Rural Health and Macedon Ranges Shire Council to align our COVID-19 resources and ensure communication about the pandemic, particularly the COVID vaccination, is consistent across our broader region. See each of these organisations’ websites for useful information about the vaccination rollout.
COVID-19 Vaccination: What you Need to Know
Getting vaccinated protects you against COVID-19, helps prevent you from getting seriously ill and reduces the spread of COVID-19 to others. COVID-19 vaccines are available free for everyone aged 5 and over at vaccination sites, pharmacies and GPs. For information on how to book your vaccination appointment, go to the Victorian government’s coronavirus website.
Vaccination Champions
Last year we shared videos of people in the community who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. They talked about why they chose to have the vaccine and what their vaccination experience was like. To see all the videos, click here.
COVID-19: Getting Tested
Your first option for getting tested for COVID-19 should be to use a rapid antigen test. For more information on rapid antigen tests and where to get them see the Victorian Government’s Coronavirus website. You will also find information on where you can get a PCR test.
Support When Isolating
If you test positive for COVID-19, you must isolate for 7 days from the date you took your positive rapid antigen test or PCR test. If you need to access food relief, essential items and other support to help you isolate, see this useful flyer.
There is more information on how to manage COVID at home on the Victorian government’s coronavirus website. There is also a list of things you can do to prepare for a period of future isolation.
Face Masks
Wearing a fitted face mask helps keep you and others safe by reducing the transmission of COVID-19. A face mask includes any fitted paper or textile that covers the nose and mouth to provide the wearer protection against infection. It does not have to be medical grade and you can make your own, however it must be fitted so that it covers the nose and the mouth and must always be worn properly.
For more information about face masks, see the Department of Health website.
Pandemic Experience Report
Local service providers and community groups have been working hard to support people in our community during the pandemic. The Central Victorian Primary Care Partnership Board members were interested in learning about people’s experience of the pandemic, what supports they received and what we could do better in the future.
A survey was promoted across Mount Alexander and Macedon Ranges Shires. There were 364 respondents to the survey and the Pandemic Experience Report is now available. Some of the key findings include:
- Social connection was the most protective factor for people’s wellbeing.
- People’s mental health have been negatively impacted – 50% reported negative mental health impacts.
- Not every one got the right support that they needed – 18% did not get or partially got the right support when they reached out for help.
- At a time when digital connection is so important, 15% have inadequate access to internet/technology.
- There are some positives from the pandemic that we need to hold onto – 73% of respondents identified a positive outcome of the pandemic.
- When asked how could the community better support you, the highest responses were “Unsure” or “Nothing it was great”, which indicates a high level of support.
Looking after your mental health
It is important to look after your mental health during this pandemic. We recognise the feelings of anxiety and concern many people may be experiencing during this time. Macedon Ranges Shire Council in conjunction with local partners including Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, has produced a brochure containing useful tips on staying mentally well along with a comprehensive list of resources.
You can also hear from local experts who share tools that can help with your mental health. See the videos below:
