Flu Season for 2020 is fast approaching, and the news of the COVID-19 virus, also known as the Corona Virus, is now well established.  The Owners Corporation Committee & the Centre Management Team are working closely with our Cleaners to ensure that all areas of the facility are continually cleaned.  We all play a huge part in hygiene.  Over the coming week, touch-free hand sanitizers will be installed throughout the building.  An antibacterial hand wash and hand towels are available in the bathrooms.

Bamboo gym wipes, as well as the option of dry wipes with an antibacterial spray, are available in the gym for our residents to use.  We are constantly reminding our residents to wipe down all equipment after use. 

A few easy points to remember to eliminate the spread of viruses in our community

• Hand washing with soap and water is an extremely effective way to keep germs at bay. 
• Please reconsider visiting the facilities if you are unwell
• Cover your nose & mouth with your elbow if you sneeze or cough.  Never use your hand as a barrier.  As a precaution, always wash your hands after sneezing.
• Make sure all used tissues and hand towels are placed in the bins provided. 
• Please call your GP if are experiencing any flu-like symptoms. 

The following is the latest statement from the World Health Organization

These are normal hygiene measures to protect yourself and others from any transmittable infection.

• Wash your hands frequently Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
• Maintain social distancing - Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain a virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. Practice respiratory hygiene Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread viruses. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
• If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.
• Should I wear a face mask? No, a regular surgical mask will not help you steer clear of the virus.

Please take the time to read through some online resources relating to the COVID-19 virus which is currently circulating throughout the world. These links contain some very useful information regarding stopping the spread of all winter viruses. 

Department of Health & Human Services - Victoria

Department of Health - Australian Government

World Health Organisation

Smart Traveller Website

La Trobe University

Better Health Chanel