Protecting the Port
I, like others across the world, am concerned for my family, children and parents - not to mention my own safety.
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There is much we do not know about this [COVID-19] pandemic but what we do know is that isolation and bulk testing seems to be successful in minimising the transfer rate.
Here in God's land of the Tomaree Peninsula in Port Stephens we have one road in and one road out.
So why do we not lock it up with only food supplies and locals securing access for work or emergency travel to Newcastle or other close areas?
Yes, everyone needs to be tested and quarantined if positive results are found.
But then our local businesses can return to operating with the knowledge that only those who are germ-free will interact within the community.
Sure, smarter guys than me can work out the mechanics, but what we are doing nationally is ludicrous.
Waiting for someone to get the virus before we act, by then its too late and many more have been infected.
Just try to go to the doctor and ask for a test.
You will be screened then told you do not meet the criteria of testing needs.
I do not have the answers but surely the above is a good positive first step.
Theo Varvaressos, Shoal Bay
Also read: Letters to the Editor, March 26
Lessons to be learned
As a senior person living in regional NSW I have often looked at supermarkets and petrol stations and wondered what would happen if the supply chain failed.
Well I am now seeing it in real life.
In the current crisis we hope that our supplies will last and be restocked - but what about our imports and our reliance on global suppliers?
Without blaming any political party, as they have both contributed, this will also be a good learning experience and rekindling the economic ideals of self sufficiency needs to be part of economic policy.
This crisis may provide some good in the long run if we are able to to survive the medical implications in tact.
Robert Mulas, Corlette
Also read: Letters to the Editor, March 19
Look out for vulnerable
There are mental health concerns associated with isolation but there is also a hidden scourge many are unwilling to discuss - the potential for family and domestic violence to flare up over the coming months.
In times of crisis and natural disasters, there is a documented rise in domestic abuse.
With isolation and social distancing comes many vulnerable people in our community potentially forced into close confines with domestic violence perpetrators.
As normal life and services shut down, victims can be exposed to abusers for long periods of time and cut off from society and from supports.
The availability of emergency shelters for victims of domestic violence is a major concern in the current climate due to COVID-19 and financial security often prohibits domestic violence victims from leaving their abusers.
We must be vigilant that many in our community face this turmoil today and will again tomorrow.
Domestic violence does not have to be physical, this can also be found in the forms of verbal/ financial abuse and coercion.
We should all be asking our neighbours if they are okay - via phone due to social distancing or from over the fence, do continue to check in.
Stay vigilant - look out for each other.
If you are experiencing family or domestic violence, please contact 1800Respect (1800 737 732) or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.
Alternatively call the New South Wales Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000 immediately.
Brooke Vitnell, Medowie
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