The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. It presents with symptoms that range from fever, a mild cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and fatigue and can sometimes lead pneumonia and more serious acute respiratory problems. Most people recover fairly easily, while others are can become very sick very quickly. The virus spreads from person to person via droplets and by close contact with an infected person.

As a Faith Community Nurse you may be called upon to provide information and support to your local church and people within your community. You will need to be up to date with the latest information from reliable sources as the situation is constantly shifting. The resources may be of help to you, or you can refer others to them.

The best way to prevent spread is by good hygiene. This includes washing your hands often with soap and water, use tissues (dispose in bins), cover mouth when you cough or sneeze - use your arm not your hands, and avoid close contact with people (social distancing).

WHO poster on how to wash hands

Keep up to date:

New Australia Government website for Covid 19 covering:

  • Find out if you need to get tested
  • Essential information
  • Key updates from Scamwatch, NDIS, and advice about protecting people at risk
  • Health and prevention
  • Supporting the community
  • Receiving financial support
  • Information for education providers
  • Information for business and employees
  • Information for travellers
  • Links to state and territory government information

Reliable sources of information

For people worried about symptoms and information on where to access help in Australia

Resources

For churches – how we can respond as Christ followers

Covid-19 Church online summit resources

Includes downloadable Coronavirus tip sheets from the Humanitarian Disaster Institute covering the following topics:

  • Communicating with your church
  • Spiritual first aid
  • Talking to your kids about coronavirus
  • Ministering in a time of Covid-19
  • Caring for wellbeing of older adults

Supporting mental health

The Coronavirus is impacting our mental health. WHO, the Australian Government and many reliable mental health organistions such as Beyond Blue in Australia have dedicated information for looking after your mental health during the outbreak.

Supporting physical health and chronic condition management

The Australian Government has flagged lack of managing chronic conditions as a concern, encouraging people to be proactive in managing their health  “ We want you to stay well during these challenging times.  Your health care needs don’t take a back seat because of COVID-19." Read more here

Spiritual Self-care

Prayer

We want to pass on to you a message received from the National President of the Australian Council of Churches (Phillip Higgins) inviting Christians of every denomination to participate in a national call to prayer.

PRAYER FOR EACH DAY for OUR NATION, AMIDST COVID-19.

The invitation is for each of us to take a moment at 5pm each day from now on to pray for people around our nation and the globe with these words (or your own):

Gracious God, 
We give thanks anew for your providence and presence. 
We prayerfully seek your grace, amidst COVID-19 here and overseas. 
We pray for those in need of healing. 
We pray for your peace with those who are anxious or grieving. 
We pray you will continue to strengthen and sustain all those who are serving in response. 
We pray for your Holy Spirit’s discernment amidst the many choices and decisions facing our national, community and medical leaders. 
We pray we each might see quickly what more we can do to help those who are vulnerable. 
This prayer for our nation in the family of nations, with all that is on our hearts, we gather now and pray through Jesus Christ our Lord.
AMEN. 

Practical resources

Self-isolation

NDIS and Covid includes easy to read factsheets, information in Auslan,