Coronavirus (COVID-19)

General information

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a current health issue affecting many countries across the world, including Australia.

The World Health Organisation has declared the current outbreak of the coronavirus a pandemic. For the most up-to-date information regarding the coronavirus please visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.

Symptoms of novel coronavirus
The virus can cause an infection in people, including a severe respiratory illness. Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Affected people may experience, fever, flu like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and headaches and difficulty breathing.

How can you help prevent novel coronavirus?
Everyone should follow good hygiene practices and other measures to protect against infections. These measures include:

• Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue over nose and mouth or into your elbow
• Isolate yourself if you are feeling sick and phone your GP first if you need medical attention
• Do not wear a facemask if you are well

View a fact sheet for more information on self-isolation

Planning
Everyone should take steps to prepare for the possibility of transmission of coronavirus in Victoria in the coming weeks or months. People should plan how they and their family and businesses would manage if they are isolated due to the virus. For dairy farmers this will include how their business will function and their workforce are protected.

• Have a plan to stay home for an extended period if you are required to quarantine
• Have medications, food and fluids on hand
• Look out for at-risk neighbours, friends or family members

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for public gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups

For more information
If you are concerned about coronavirus in Victoria, call the Department of Health and Human Services coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

For the latest information on coronavirus in Australia and other resources, such as guidance on isolation visit Department of Health and Human Services or health.gov.au.

Emotional support
As the current circumstances can be distressing, please be aware of your own emotions and those of people around you.

If you need support, contact one of these services: 

• Mental Health Services     1800 808 284
• South West Healthcare     5593 6000
• Colac Area Health     5232 5100
• Headspace     1300 276 749
• beyondblue     1300 22 4636
• Lifeline     13 11 14
• Kid’s Helpline     1800 551 800
• MensLine     1300 789 978
• Nurse on Call     1800 022 222
• The Black Dog Institute

Emergency relief packages 
Victorians self-isolating due to coronavirus with no access to food and essential supplies will receive emergency relief packages under a State Government program. 

This is a last resort for people in mandatory self-isolation, who have little or no food, and no network of family and friends to support them. Each household that meets the criteria will receive a two-week supply of essential goods.

It can be accessed by calling Victoria’s dedicated coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398. The hotline can also refer people to other support services if needed.

Frequently asked questions

Business information

Corangamite businesses affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have a number of resources available to assist them through this extremely challenging period. 

Cash flow assistance for businesses

Department of Health and Human Services
Latest information updates and advice about the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Business Victoria
Information on the latest information on the response and how this affects business, how to keep their workplace safe and advice on how to plan for dealing with the current situation and anticipate likely developments. The hotline can also provide information about support services and what financial assistance might be available.
Hotline to help businesses with COVID-19 questions: 13 22 15

business.gov.au
Find financial assistance, eligibility and timing for the new government support for Australian businesses.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI)
Business and workplace information, including fact sheets and key contacts. 

VECCI are waiving membership fees for new members over the next 12 months, which will provide access to training and resources. Click here for more information or to register. 

Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism

Victoria Tourism Industry Council

We encourage business owners to contact our Economic Development team if you require clarification on resources or need further assistance in obtaining information, we are here to help ecodev@corangamite.vic.gov.au or 5593 7100.

Food businesses
If you are a restaurant/catering business and want to provide takeaway and/or home delivery services. Extra requirements are advised below:

If your class 2 food business is currently registered, there is no further registration or administrative requirements needed for you to provide takeaway or home delivery services from your business.

You will, however, need to ensure that you have added appropriate content to your food safety program and continue to comply with all the requirements of the Australia New Zealand Food Safety Code sections 3.2.2 and 3.2.3, including requirements such as packaging used for takeaway, temperature control during delivery etc. To review sections 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 go to the Food Standards website.

Please contact your relevant registration authority (such as your local government environmental health officer) if you wish to discuss your plans further.

health.vic.gov.au/covid-19-and-food-business

For home delivery, not including take away see the following:

health.vic.gov.au/food-business-home-delivery-guide

Council Services