As a new wave of Covid-19 infections sweeps across the country, Australians are urged to take extra care in protecting themselves, their family and friends, and their communities this winter.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) says it’s imperative we do ‘all we can to ensure communities and healthcare workers stay protected and supported, particularly as health services are placed under enormous strain by the growing Covid cases, coupled with the onset of the flu season.
ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler is imploring people to take three simple actions this winter:
- Wear a facemask indoors;
- Stay home if you’re unwell;
- Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
“With hospitals, aged care facilities and other health and medical services already under significant strain, large numbers of patients with Covid, the flu and other illnesses have the potential to overwhelm capacity and delay care,” says Ms Butler.
“We need to help protect everyone from Covid and other infectious illnesses and minimise the stress on the health and aged care systems.
“That’s why today, we are asking for the community’s support.
“Right now, meaningful action means taking our three recommended actions.
“It’s pretty simple advice but we understand that people need support to do this. That’s why we’re also calling on the Federal Government to reinstate the pandemic leave disaster payment scheme, ensure that everyone can access reliable Covid tests when they need to, and lead a clear, accessible public health campaign so that the community understands what we’re facing this winter and what’s needed for us to get through it together,” she says.
