Stay calm – don’t panic buy

Stay calm and don’t panic buy is the message Member for Frome Geoff Brock MP is sending out to the community in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic which is sweeping Australia.

“It is especially important not to panic-buy staple food items as this will lead to many people being disadvantaged. There is no shortage of food in Australia – our food supply is plentiful – but there is a problem with the supply chain which is being overburdened trying to constantly fill empty shelves,” Mr Brock said.

“We need to be considerate of others when shopping for groceries and always be respectful towards staff who are doing their best in these difficult times to keep shelves stocked.”

Mr Brock said it was important for the community to be confident that all measures possible were currently being taken to keep vulnerable people safe and that Governments and local authorities were keeping ahead of the curve with regard to management of the crisis.

The Australian Government has introduced ‘social distancing’ to assist in stopping or slowing the spread of Covid 19, it is important to take on board these new measures and help stop the spread of this outbreak.

“I am urging all regional residents to take precautions against contracting COVID-19 as it is important to keep the pressure off our health services as they manage the outbreaks.

“Official advice changes regularly, so I urge everyone to keep up to date with the latest developments through the Department of Health website – www.health.gov.au,” Mr Brock said.

The Australian Government has recognised the disruptive impact the pandemic is having, and will have, during this time and have already pledged a $17.6bn stimulus package to help households and business get through the crisis.

Mr Brock said the State government is implementing a $350 million stimulus package aimed at safeguarding the economy and protecting jobs.

“The government has introduced a range of measures which has seen the cancellation of many events where more than 500 people were expected to gather, and this gathering number may be reduced further.

“Event organisers have heeded the warnings and are postponing or cancelling plans to ensure they do not provide an environment for contagion.

The South Australian Government has announced the opening of the State’s first regional COVID-19 clinic in Mt Barker and over the coming days will also include Whyalla and Port Augusta  to ensure people in these regions who have recently returned from overseas or have been in close contact with a confirmed Coronavirus case have access to timely testing and treatment.