COVID-19 updates
Feeling isolated or lonely? Call the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line on 1800 171 866. Stay tuned to this page for further articles on COVID-19 and the steps you can take to stay healthy and safe during the pandemic.
If you would like more information, or just want to chat to someone during this difficult time, please call the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line on 1800 171 866. Learn more here.
You can also read our guide to keeping well during COVID-19. Learn more here.
Eased restrictions
Eased restrictions for Greater Brisbane have been announced, and new restrictions will be in place from 6pm 11 January to 1am 22 January. Read more here.
The Greater Brisbane region includes:
City of Brisbane
City of Ipswich
Logan City
Moreton Bay Region
Redland City
Home confinement and movement (Greater Brisbane)
You can leave your home for any purpose. You can travel anywhere in Australia. Please note other states and territories may have restrictions in place that prevent you from travelling to them.
Face masks (Greater Brisbane)
You must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. Read more here.
You must wear a mask in indoor spaces, except in your home.
Gatherings (Greater Brisbane)
Gatherings: Up to 20 people in homes and public spaces. This number includes those who live with you.
Weddings: Up to 100 attendees. No restriction on dancing.
Funerals: Up to 100 attendees.
Get tested
If you have any symptoms at all, get tested immediately and quarantine at home until you receive a negative result. Find testing clinics here.
QLD Aged Care visiting updates
Latest COVID-19 case locations in New South Wales
NSW health advice may vary, based on case location. Learn more here.
Northern Beaches Eased Restrictions
From the beginning of Sunday 10 January 2021, all Northern Beaches residents are to follow the restrictions for Greater Sydney. Read more here.
Visitors allowed at a residence (Greater Sydney region, including the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Wollongong)
Up to 5 visitors from any number of households may visit another on any day. The total number of visitors includes adults and children. A member of the hosting household is not counted as a visitor.
Face masks (Greater Sydney region (including the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Wollongong)
A face mask (fitted face covering) is mandatory in indoor environments unless you have an exemption. Learn more here.
From Tuesday 12 January 2021, masks must be worn:
in indoor areas of NSW airports, including passenger waiting areas
during a flight, when the plane is landing at or taking off from the airport, or flying in NSW airspace.
You may be fined $200 on the spot for not wearing a face mask.
Get tested
If you have any symptoms at all, get tested immediately and quarantine at home until you receive a negative result. Find testing clinics here.
NSW Government COVID-19 advice for seniors
Learn about support services here.
NSW Aged Care homes are OPEN.
Aged Care homes in NSW must:
ensure all staff and visitors wear a surgical mask within the facility
ensure residents have a maximum of only two visitors each day. They may have different visitors each day
exclude visitors from the Northern Area of the Northern Beaches, City of Wollongong, Cumberland City Council or the Canterbury Ward of Canterbury Bankstown Council
exclude visitors and non-essential staff who have been in the following Local Government Areas of Queensland since 2 January 2021: City of Brisbane, Logan City, City of Ipswich, Moreton Bay Region, Redland City, Lockyer Valley Region, Scenic Rim Region or Somerset Region. Visitors from these regions should be excluded.
Updated exposure sites in Victoria include:
- The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) - possible acquisition site
- Chadstone - possible acquisition site.
Victorian Government health advice:
If you have visited any of the locations listed during the date and time indicated you must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Get tested
Aged care visiting updates
COVIDSafe Summer – restrictions apply from 11:59pm 6 December 2020.
The support service is a joint initiative of National Seniors Australia, COTA Australia, Dementia Australia and the Older Persons Advocacy Network.
If you are feeling anxious, or would like additional information and support, please call the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line on 1800 171 866, Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 6pm (except public holidays).
At National Seniors, we know how important it is to look after yourself during this time. No matter your circumstances, you are welcome to call our support line for a chat or to discuss any concerns or questions you have. Call us on 1300 887 626.
Tips for coping during COVID-19
There are things you can do to help you stay mentally and physically healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Find ways to keep in touch – use the phone or email to have daily conversations with your family or friends.
- Keep an eye on your diet – make sure that you eat healthy and regular meals. Consider delivery of fresh produce.
- Keep your medical needs up to date – make sure that you continue to go to your regular medical appointments and remember to maintain your medications.
- Read information from official sources – make sure you get information from official sources such as the NSW Government and the Australian Government.
Source: NSW Government.
Keep in touch with family and friends
You can still stay in touch with family and friends during COVID-19 without physically meeting up.
Here are some ways to reduce feeling socially isolated by keeping the conversation going (virtually):
- Pick up the phone – your family and friends are only a phone call away.
- Own a smartphone or computer? Try video calling.
- Create an online group via a messaging app.
- It’s game on! Challenge your family and friends with online games.
- Use the time to learn something new through online learning.
- Want to know what everyone is up to? Keep connected with social media.
- Technology not your thing? Write letters, draw pictures and post them to family and friends.
Source: NSW Government.
Need to update your digital skills?
Get involved with National Seniors Australia through the Be Connected program. Learn more here.
You can also find out more by calling 1300 887 626.
