COVID-19 Updates

1. What do We need to know about COVID-19 and what can We do?

The Corona virus disease or COVID-19 is caused by a respiratory virus called SARS CoV-2. It is easily transmitted to others by an infected person through the droplets from coughing or sneezing and also from contaminated surfaces.

Typical symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, though some may have digestive involvement (diarrhoea). Complications from the virus can develop especially with the elderly (considered anyone over 60 years old) and in particular anyone with co-existing conditions (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, cancer etc) as well as anyone who is immune-compromised. These people have a greater risk of contracting the disease and having severe consequences – in other words, there has been a greater incidence of death in these groups.

The tricky thing is that not everyone will have any symptoms or get obviously sick from this virus, and so they can be spreading it unknowingly, hence why the current mandated physical isolation that is required.

Please stay updated with the latest government releases regarding the COVID-19 situation – there are several government sites to check on-line and a COVID-19 Hotline to call:

Please visit NSW Government Health for information on COVID-19 including clinical advice, frequently asked questions and latest updates

Visit NSW Government - Coronavirus (COVID-19) for advice and information for community and businesses, including information about COVID-19 symptoms, testing and social distancing.

Call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 for general advice or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 if you have symptoms. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.

The Cumbalum Resident’s Association is here to support during this challenging time. Please be in touch with us as needed. Through the social media pages such as Facebook, we are looking into community support options for those in need (especially the elderly with no family support) in the form of deliveries of groceries, take aways and other needs etc. Please be in touch with us if you are willing and able to help.

2. Practical suggestions with regards to hygiene, lifestyle adjustments and immune support

Here are some simple and practical suggestions you can do to take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Many of these are hygiene and life style recommendations as well as nutritional and supplemental suggestions that can boost your immunity and support you to stay healthy or to recover with greater ease if you do get sick.

And though it is too early to offer suggestions with evidence of direct effectiveness against the Corona virus, they certainly have the potential to support your general health as well as your immunity.

What you can do:

Basics on personal hygiene and physical distancing:

Hygiene:

Ensure proper hand washing and disinfection of surfaces around you
Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) as it is a common entry point for viruses

Physical distancing (as mandated by the government):

Avoid travelling to outbreak areas and crowded areas
Stay at home if you are unwell or if you get the Corona virus and always seek medical advice as appropriate
If you are well, make sure you reach out to responsibly support those who are in isolation and are needing the help.

Lifestyle and Nutrition suggestions:

Sleep and exercise:

Quality sleep allows for the immune system to regenerate and is a time for the body to do its repair and maintenance. Getting adequate restful sleep is also important for anyone who is unwell so that recovery is speeded up. Exercise is also important in staying healthy and balanced both physically and mentally. Moderate gentle exercise supports in boosting the immune system and both restful sleep and exercise allow us to handle stress levels better.

Keep warm:

Heading into winter which is relatively mild in Northern New South Wales, it still remains important to keep the body warm, especially having covered feet and lower back and chest and if needed the head too. We can lose a lot of warmth from these areas and if we get a chill the body must work that much harder to recover its normal body temperature, which can set the immune system back.

Eat a well-balanced diet with quality vegetables, protein and healthy fats:

Ensure your diet is full of fresh vegetables, plenty of quality protein (eg. meat, chicken, fish, eggs, tofu…) and fats (such as olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds and their butters). These are all natural sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and building blocks as required by the immune system and the digestive tract.

Some foods are known to have immune boosting properties and garlic is one of those! Other herbs that can help too because of their heat producing or anti-inflammatory effects include chilli, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, basil and sage.

Avoid binge drinking and recreational drugs:

Alcohol destroys your digestive tract flora (good bacteria) which can then reduce digestive capacity as well as immunity and can actually increase the severity of respiratory tract infections. Recreational drugs also impact on the body by putting an extra detoxification load on the liver and hence also reducing the body’s immune response.

Vitamins and Herbs:

If you are unwell and need support, see a doctor, but don’t forget there are some simple vitamins and nutrients that are known to support immunity and may be of benefit during these times. They include: Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D and Herbal tonics and much more.

Stay Home, Stay Safe and Stay Connected as a Community!

3. Note regarding CRA Meetings:

Whilst the restrictions around COVID-19 were in place, the Cumbalum Residents Association did not hold the usual scheduled in-person meetings. However, meetings were still held via on-line platforms (such as Zoom). In-person meetings were postponed untill the mandated restrictions are lifted.

Whether we meet in person or on line we are always active in the background so if you are keen to attend and support, please be in touch via emails or the 'Get in Touch' forms below.