COVID-19: LINKS, RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
Introduction
Accurate as at 29 April 2021
The global pandemic driven by the infectious disease COVID-19 has disrupted societies, with governments requiring citizens to practice self-isolation, and communications and media sources (both social and traditional) rife with
misinformation or content lacking insight. As a consequence of this highly dynamic situation, YSPN has prepared the following “newsroom” and FAQ to help people make sense of the situation and navigate it as effectively as possible.
Our role here is not to provide our audience with a unique take on the information, but ensure that our audience knows where to access accurate, and up-to-date information from primary sources, relating to the current situation, best
practice, and responses from across a spectrum of themes and issues relevant to YSPN’s audience.
Given that our links are to primary sources like Government Dept. websites, and organisations like the World Health Organisation, we expect that those links will not go stale, or the information out of date, as the link sources are
updating information on a much more regular and timely basis than our team of volunteers possibly could. To ensure the information remains most current, and links remain active, we will be reviewing the content here on a weekly basis
(unless stated otherwise), and the date the information is current at will be written at the top of this article.
Special note: With the speed and ease at which misinformation can propagate during times of heightened stress and anxiety such as this, we also recommend our audience verify the source of any information that is not
obviously from one of the below resources, and practice scepticism to mitigate the possibility of further spread of misinformation. We also recommend our audience do the same for information shared from medical health practitioners
where they provide their own analysis above and beyond the information provided in the original source.
The situation in India
As of end April 2021, India has seen over 300,000 COVID-19 cases per day, and has seen an acute shortage of vital supplies including medical equipment, oxygen tanks, medication and PPE.Multiple campaigns to fundraise on behalf of patients in India have been started by expats living across the world with family in the country. While YSPN does not specifically endorse any particular cause below, the links below have been collated by sources trusted by the YSPN team and community. We do, however, encourage the YSPN community to conduct their own research into initiatives and campaigns before donating funds.
The situation in India
Donate to India
Source |
Background |
Link |
|---|---|---|
| South Asian Today | South Asian today has put together a live list of campaigns, donation drives and initiatives happening on the ground in India, and around the world, to help alleviate the oxygen shortage, PPE shortage and other causes impacting the local community impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic |
www.southasiantoday.com.au/article-9152-help-india-verified-donation-campaigns-details.aspx |
| Oxygen supply campaigns | Rishi Suri has compiled a list of campaigns raising funds for the supply of oxygen tanks and associated equipment, along with the currencies the campaigns are raising funds in | https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1w9QkmVf8nfLWA-oo4zB8yLgEmYp1dKqQWxgGVQGDPe4/htmlview |
| Medical Oxygen for All (MOfA) | YSPN co-founder, alum and ex-chair, Karan Anand, has joined the MOFa team to help raise funds for the delivery of vital oxygen equipment to patients all over India, and have compiled a live document showcasing the project, the associated GoFundMe campaign and the impact they are having on the ground |
https://www.notion.so/Medical-Oxygen-for-All-MOfA-c889be0383a04105ac39ab607426e16a |
Links and Resources
Category |
What are we discussing? |
Helpful resources |
|---|---|---|
|
Healthcare |
Everyone’s health is the number one priority during this crisis. Misinformation is rife both online and through social media channels, and so we have aggregated the following resources with a view to providing you We recommend practicing scepticism and personal responsibility when evaluating, considering and disseminating content from sources outside of these here. |
Basics of the Coronavirus explained Isolation Guidelines from the Australian Dept. of Health New Zealand Dept. of Health COVID-19 page The World Health Organisation Page tracking the virus Australian Medical Association (AMA) COVID-19 information page. The AMA is the professional member organisation of Australia’s doctors and medical students. Science is one of the prestigious academic journals in the world. Expert news and commentary on latest scientific and medical advances towards COVID-19. The Conversation, an authoritative, fact and academic based news source page covering the Coronavirus The Australia Health Authority’s coverage of the Coronavirus The New Zealand Health Authority’s coverage of the Coronavirus Specialist COVID-19 site NZ Centre for Disease Control – authority on COVID-19 Important numbers NZ COVID-19 Hotline NZ |
|
Mental Health |
People may experience feelings of anxiety and stress as a result of the actions being taken due to COVID-19, and their potential impacts to them.
This is a natural response to the state of uncertainty relating to the current conditions, and we’ve collected the following resources to help make sense of what is happening and to respond in as constructive a way |
Head to Health is an Australian Government website providing access to mental health services, this page has links to crisis hotlines if you or someone else is in immediate danger. This page provides broader information relating to navigating COVID-19 from a mental health perspective. The New Zealand Government’s Mental Health crisis page, if you or anyone you know is in immediate danger, check this page. The New Zealand Ministry of Health’s guidance for taking care of your mental health during COVID-19. |
|
Welfare |
Outside of people’s health and wellbeing, we know that many are reeling from the economic impacts of this crisis on their livelihoods. Governments and financial institutions in both Australia and New-Zealand have |
The Australian Treasury’s coverage of the economic responses the Australian Government is introducing Specific information from the Department of Social Services relating to welfare packages relating to COVID-19 Information relating to payments offered by Services Australia and how COVID-19 will impact those arrangements New Zealand Ministry of Social Development coverage of welfare arrangements Link to articles by Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow at the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University page listing articles analysing the economic response to COVID-19 by Australian and New-Zealand Governments The New Zealand Government page covering Economic policy responses relating to COVID-19 Check with your financial services provider for specific relief from financial hardship. Gurdwaras and other NFPs are offering services to drop off groceries, and food supplies for those affected by this current crisis. Contact your local Gurdwara for specific information. NZ Govt Actions (broad) |
|
Workplace Health and Safety |
Employers have a responsibility to their staff to ensure they have a safe working environment, and the Coronavirus introduces a factor that they must be aware of and manage in order to ensure their staff are looked
Guidelines and advice for Australian and New Zealand employers on how to deal with COVID-19 as a matter of workplace health and safety. Employees should familiarise themselves with these guidelines so that they can |
The information in both links here is described as being for employers, but we recommend employees familiarise themselves with employer obligations so that they can monitor and identify situations where they and their Responsibilities of Australian Employers in providing safe workplaces in the current situation. |
|
Travel |
Governments in Australia and New Zealand are responding to the current situation through a host of measures which include travel warnings and restrictions and other policy instruments. These measures are outlined in the |
Australian Government policy position and advice for citizens and residents New Zealand Government policy position and advice for NZ citizens and residents |
|
Gurudwaras |
Gurdwaras as Sikh places of worship and congregation have been impacted by the introduction of social distancing measures. As a sign of their resilience and ingenuity in this period of uncertainty however, they have responded in innovative ways to ensure that the gurdwara can continue to serve the sangat. |
Given the number of Gurdwaras across both Australia and New Zealand, we’re unable to provide a comprehensive list of resources here, we recommend instead that you search for information relating to your local gurdwara List of Gurdwaras in Australia |
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also launched a chatbot on WhatsApp to allow users from around the world to access authoritative, up to date information directly from the WHO. To access this resource, you can add the number +41 79 893 18 92 to your contacts, and message with the word “hi” on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I’m feeling unwell, what should I do?
If you exhibit the symptoms described in the healthcare section above you are recommended to contact (via phone first) a healthcare professional describing your symptoms. Healthcare professionals are able to determine your
status and then prescribe the most appropriate course of action. The government has established multiple mechanisms to seek treatment through the public health system including the addition of respiratory clinics, and a
telephone hotline for over the phone diagnosis is available at 1800 020 080 (Australia) or 0800 358 5453 (New Zealand).
I’m stuck overseas with no flights back to Australia/New Zealand, what can I do?
The Australian and New Zealand Governments have issued travel advisory to all overseas citizens and residents. The links in the travel section has more information about their response. In short, you are recommended to find any
suitable commercial means to return home as soon as possible – if one is not available, then you are recommended to remain in your location as long as it is safe to do so, and practice isolation measures to maintain your health.
Governments will then issue responses as the situation changes.
Our section on Travel has links to government resources with further information.
I’m unable to get onto a flight to get to Australia/New Zealand in order to satisfy my visa conditions, what will happen to my visa now?
The Australian Department of Home Affairs, has outlined guidance in respect of this in the complying with visa conditions section of this page.
The New Zealand Department of Immigration has outlined the following response on this page.
I’m in Australia or New Zealand and running out of money, what can I do?
Governments in both countries have introduced stimulus measures to ensure that people who are affected by the crisis are able to find support. The links in the welfare section above provide further information about the
resources the Australian and New Zealand Governments have made available.
I’m feeling very stressed out and anxious because of what’s happening with this virus, what can I do?
It’s natural to feel uneasy about the current situation given how dynamic it currently is. There exist resources for people to help themselves get through this current period of uncertainty. If, however, you are in crisis,
please contact a trained counsellors or mental health professionals, here:
Australia: https://headtohealth.gov.au/crisis-links
New Zealand: https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/covid-19/
Disclaimer:
While we have done our utmost to ensure the information is comprehensive, up to date and as accurate as possible, we do not guarantee that this is the case [and make no representation, statement or warranty to that effect. We recommend
you seek appropriate independent advice. We are not responsible for any loss or liability you may incur in connection with the information provided on this page]. In the event you do find a mistake please contact us (via email, Facebook or Instagram) so we can issue a correction as soon as possible and minimise any further impact.
We also hope you’ll practice kindness and compassion with others as we navigate this crisis as a global community.