Working alongside our partners, VicHealth remains focused on delivering the best possible health outcomes for Victorian communities. Health promotion – including staying socially connected, remaining physically active and eating healthily – is more important than ever before, and our teams are working quickly and proactively to develop new or adapt existing initiatives to best support Victorians, particularly those most vulnerable, to keep living healthy lives.
The current situation presents new challenges for our state. We understand that as needs change, our responses, and the way we work, must also evolve. Accordingly:
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We've begun discussions with many partner organisations about adjusting deliverables and timeframes within existing funding agreements where the changing context requires a modified approach.
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As the safety, health and wellbeing of our staff, partners, stakeholders and contractors is a critical focus, VicHealth's operations have moved to a virtual office for the foreseeable future. All our staff are working from home, with everyone contactable via their usual office phone numbers and email addresses. Meetings are taking place by video conference or phone, and the VicHealth office at 15-31 Pelham Street, Carlton is now closed to the public.
In situations such as this, it's incredibly important that everyone receives, and shares, credible, up-to-date health information and advice. For the latest information on the COVID-19 situation in Victoria, please visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus. If you suspect you may have contracted COVID-19 or are concerned about your own health, please call the dedicated hotline 1800 675 398, open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
Top 5 tips to reduce your risk & prevent the spread of Covid-19:
- Wash your hands often and properly
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue/your elbow and avoid touching your face
- If you feel unwell stay home
- If you've been overseas self-isolate
- Practice social distancing – avoid unnecessary travel and crowds, keep 1.5 metre distance from others, don't shake hands/touch others.
Beyond Blue has also produced some excellent tips on looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak
We acknowledge this is a challenging and uncertain time for everyone and that expert advice is evolving on a daily basis.
We will continue to monitor and support the advice of the Victorian Government and the Chief Health Officer in relation to COVID-19.
Please take care of yourself and those around you.
Dr Sandro Demaio
CEO
VicHealth
