Ugly scenes of supermarkets scuffles, the crowd at Bondi beach during social distancing campaign and long ques at bottle-shops before the closure of non-essential businesses. These are a few of the social media highlights from Australia circulating in the mid of the COVID-19 pandemic. But there is no shortage of passionate stories during the COVID-19 crisis. Volunteers of Melbourne based welfare organization have decided to reach those who are in self-isolation.
- Self-isolated people are struggling to reach to the crowded supermarket
- A group of volunteers delivering free of cost food at doorsteps of impacted families
- Group is helping in Melbourne, Canberra, and Adelaide
Those who are returning back to Australia are required to live in self-isolation for 14 days. Newcomers, single mothers, and others with limited mobility options are the hardest hit by self-isolation. Syed Abbas Abdi is president of the Pakistan Welfare Organization Australia (PWOA). His team of volunteers is delivering food door to door to those who are in need and forced to lockdown. He told SBS Urdu that for the safety of Australians, it is very important that we assist affected families and individuals so they can remain living in self-isolation without exposing out.
Our organization has taken an initiative to continue the food drive in this time of crises for every needy Australian without discrimination
Source: Supplied
Volunteers of PWOA are working in Victoria, South Australia, and ACT to help those in need. Due to increasing demand, the organization is looking for more volunteers and donors. The organization is requesting people to contact them if they are struggling to get food before noon to ensure delivery on the same day. Abbas stressed on the need for understanding of priorities that are based on availability and urgency.
We have prioritized the calls for children, elderly and vulnerable but unfortunately, we can not fulfill requests of food of specific origin or particular brand
Syed Amin, volunteer and VP of the organization, delivering free food to self-isolated people Source: Supplied
Public Safety Message
Coronavirus symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia, according to the Federal Government's website. Symptoms can include a fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.
If you develop symptoms within 14 days of returning from overseas or have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, you should seek medical attention.
If you believe you may need to get tested, call your doctor or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
