With many people out of work or soon to be out of work, lack of government support in some areas will mean that volunteer support services will be playing a major role in keeping the country going over the near foreseeable future.
The St Vincent de Paul Society is working to ensure that it can continue to meet the needs of those people in the community experiencing poverty and disadvantage while ensuring our members, volunteers and staff are safe.
Vinnies has introduced and ramped up safety measures at all of its shops. This includes distributing government and health department advice on hand hygiene, coughing and sneezing etiquette, instructions for self-isolation if you are unwell, self-isolation if you have returned from overseas or if you have been in contact with someone who may have been exposed.
In addition to this, they have also distributed hand sanitiser.
Further precautions including additional signage for the front door and point of sale counter to advise customers not to enter the store if they are unwell and to pay by credit card or EFTPOS where possible have also been applied.
In addition, they have also advised volunteers to reflect with their families or seek medical advice as to their volunteering commitment. The society has told all volunteers that it is very supportive of any individual decision volunteers make.
Volunteers are being asked to reflect on risks and make a personal decision about their volunteering in the current environment.
The Society is ensuring that it is following all government and relevant agencies advice on how to minimise risk. They will continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly
Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19
COVID-19 reduces Australian life expectancy
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Wuhan market increasingly likely origin point for COVID-19
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Fresh air federal funds for Northern Rivers schools in need
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COVID-19 pandemic has cut life expectancy globally
COVID-19 reversed earlier trends toward longer life expectancies. During the pandemic, life expectancies globally dropped by 1.6 years according to a new study published in the Lancet medical journal.
COVID-19 update for New South Wales
Let’s not forget that Covid-19 is still a big issue in our community with 31,935 cases reported across Australia in the last week – an average of 4,562 cases per day.
Five graphs you need to see before the Global Carbon Budget...
The Global Carbon Budget is about to be refreshed, giving the world a critical insight into how efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are (or are not) progressing.
Public transport mask mandate to end
Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September.
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