Living through a global pandemic is anything but ‘good’ but as the daily updates of growing infections and death in the world flood in, it’s important to find the light amongst the shade.
That doesn’t mean we should ignore the shade. We all know we need to be across the situation right now – and more importantly what our role and responsibilities are during this time – as we battle against the spread of COVID-19.
But if there’s one thing that’s going to get us through this – apart from our incredible health workers, practising social distancing, and government support – it’s hope.
Hope that we will return to normality at the other end of this horrendous tunnel.
WATCH: And comedy… that’ll also help. Post continues after the video.
So here are just five little silver linings for you to grab onto, to make your day in isolation that little bit more hopeful.
Ninety days.
That’s how long the people of New South Wales are being told they’ll have to maintain current social distancing rules.
That sounds like a long time (and it is, that’s three months) but we’d been previously warned it could be six months, so this sounds much, much better.
#BREAKING: New South Wales police have announced social distancing rules will stay in place for 90 days. #9News pic.twitter.com/SqoFpLIsp1
— Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) April 1, 2020
As NSW has recorded the most infections of COVID-19, this gives us a pretty good indication of what the ‘worst-case scenario’ could be across the country.
It’s the first real ‘timeline’ we’ve been given about when these new restrictions will lift, and that is a silver lining (even though it is a tough one to swallow).
Now, this is exciting news.
We are nowhere near out of the depths of this pandemic, but we are showing signs of improvement in Australia.
Earlier this week we were told our growth rate in terms of positive coronavirus cases was at nine per cent – a huge drop on the 25 per cent from just a few weeks ago.
“In terms of the measures that have been introduced, I think there are good signs now that that is actually working as we had expected. This is full credit to the Australian public who have really taken on enormous changes in their lives over the last few weeks,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly yesterday.
However, experts have cautioned that this flattening is likely to be due to a drop in travel-related cases, and that there’s a lag of between 5-10 days before we see an impact of new restrictions. So here’s hoping the new strict ‘two-person’ rule will see local transmission rates further plummet in coming days and weeks.
China is coronavirus ground zero, after the virus started in a seafood market in the city of Wuhan in December.
The city went into lockdown on January 23 and after two months, on March 27, Wuhan’s lockdown had been partially lifted.
Chinese medical workers who have been fighting the #coronavirus day and night in Wuhan celebrated the closing of the last temporary hospital in Wuhan.
The reported #covid19 cases went from a surge in February of 15,000 in one day to only 15 this week. pic.twitter.com/xWuPd23EfY
— redfish (@redfishstream) March 13, 2020
Now, shops are starting to reopen and life seems to be returning to the streets of the Chinese city.
As China is months ahead of Australia in terms of coronavirus trajectory, and we aren't in nearly as dire straits as they were, it's great news to see Wuhan come out the other end.
Australia's national science agency has started testing potential coronavirus vaccines. It's a 'critical milestone' they've reached in just eight weeks, a task which would usually take two years.
CSIRO scientists are performing the first stage of testing for two vaccine candidates.
If these tests are successful human trials can begin.
The CSIRO is optimistic we will have a vaccine for COVID-19 in 18 months, and while that sounds like a long way away - in terms of what's required to produce a safe, effective vaccine, that's actually darn good.
As tens of thousands of Australians lose their job as our country bunkers down to help stop the spread of coronavirus, the good news is there are still some employers desperate for help.
The federal government has launched an online 'Job Hub' to connect Aussies needing work with employers.
It looks like most state and territory governments are employing right now, as is every health department.
Here are just a few of the other big businesses looking to do big hires:
To check out the hub, click here.
In more good news, 150,000 Australian businesses have now registered their interest in the government's Job Keeper wage subsidy, which will save a heap more Australians from losing an income if their workplace suffers as a result of coronavirus.
More than 500,000 Australian businesses have now registered their interest in the #JobKeeper wage subsidy of $1500 a fortnight for each employee. Our $130 billion plan is all about keeping Australians in jobs and businesses in business while we respond to the #coronavirus crisis.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) April 2, 2020
- With AAP
To protect yourself and the community from COVID-19, keep at least 1.5 metres away from other people, regularly wash your hands and avoid touching your face.
If you are sick and believe you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your GP ahead of time to book an appointment. Or call the national Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice on 1800 020 080. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000. To keep up to date with the latest information, please visit the Department of Health website.
Feature image: Getty
