COVID-19 information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The symptoms to watch out for are:

• loss or changes in sense of smell or taste
• fever
• chills or sweats
• cough
• sore throat
• shortness of breath
• runny nose.

Headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can also occur.

No matter how mild the symptoms, it is important that you get tested as soon as you show any of the symptoms of COVID-19.

Testing

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are the easiest way to test for COVID-19.

You should take a RAT:

• if you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if they’re very mild
• if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
• before visiting a hospital, aged care facility, or disability care facility
• before visiting elderly people, people with disability or people at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness.

COVID-19 can spread before you have symptoms. You can protect others by checking that you are negative before you leave home.

if you need a PCR test, you will need to visit a GP respiratory clinic or have a GP referral to a private pathology provider.

If you are at high risk of severe illness and have symptoms, you should speak to a GP about a PCR test even if you have tested negative on a RAT. This is so you can get any help you need, including COVID antiviral medicine, as quickly as possible.

There are culturally safe health services to help you get a PCR test with a GP referral:

• Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative Warrnambool
• Njernda Aboriginal Medical Centre (Echuca)
• Murray Valley (Robinvale)
• Mallee District Aboriginal Services (Mildura and Swan Hill)
• Rumbalara Aboriginal Coop (Mooroopna)
• Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS)

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has a wide range of information available.

What to do if you have tested positive

Find out if you can get medicine to help treat COVID-19. These medicines can stop people from getting so sick that they need to go to hospital.

If you test positive, it’s important that you speak to a doctor as soon as you can if you are:

• aged 12 or older with severe immunocompromise
• aged 35 or older and have not yet received three doses of vaccine.

Staying connected to community, Country and culture

Community is an important aspect to Aboriginal culture. It is important to stay connected with community and your social networks.

You can stay connected by:

• following your local Aboriginal community organisations on Facebook and/or Instagram for updates on their services
• joining local community groups on social media

Koorie Heritage Trust offer a range of programs and services dedicated solely to Koorie voices, stories, art, culture and history.

For young people - join the Koorie Youth Council to network and connect with other young First Nations people.

Financial help and support

What financial support is available?

If you are a casual or contract worker, you may be eligible for the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee. This payment provides financial support for up to 38 hours a year of sick and carer's pay. To check your eligibility or to apply, visit vic.gov.au/sickpayguarantee or visit the Financial and other support page for more information.

How do I access emergency relief?

If you need emergency relief while you have COVID-19, please call the National COVID-19 Helpline on 1800 020 080 to request an emergency relief package.

Emergency relief packages include personal care, long-life and non-perishable items.

If you do not have COVID-19 and require emergency relief, you can contact your local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation for support.

If you would like help with your electricity or gas bills, read this factsheet:

Looking after your mental health

It’s important to look after your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember that you are not alone, and support is available. Visit the Mental health support page for resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians.

If you or someone you love is feeling anxious, lonely or uncertain, you can call:

• Yarning SafeNStrong - Call 1800 95 95 63 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). A free and confidential phone crisis line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want to talk to someone about their wellbeing.
  www.vahs.org.au
• Dardi Munwurro Aboriginal Men's Support Line - Call 1800 435 799 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). A free and confidential phone support line for Aboriginal men to reach out to talk to someone when times are tough.
  www.dardimunwurro.com.au
• Lifeline Australia - Call 13 11 14(24 hours a day, 7 days a week). A crisis support service offering short-term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe.
  www.lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue - Call 1800 650 890 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). A COVID-19 mental wellbeing support service.
  https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au

Self-care Toolkit

Taking care of your mental and physical health has never been more important. Take a look at this resource for self-care advice that can help you feel healthier and happier.

• Self-care Toolkit (PDF)

Family violence support

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, you are not alone. There is help available.

Family violence support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians is available through the Orange Door where you can choose to be supported by an Aboriginal Worker or be referred to an Aboriginal service.

Other resources:

• Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) - Email vacca@vacca.org or visit their COVID-19 and Family Violence website
• Djirra - Call on 1800 105 303 or visit their Facebook page

Information for people with disability

The First Peoples Disability Network has developed a series of short films to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure families and communities are safe.

• First People Disability Network website