A new dedicated coronavirus helpline has been set up by the ACT government to help Canberrans deal with the challenges of the pandemic.
The ACT's COVID-19 helpline will be operational from Wednesday and will run from 8am to 8pm daily.
Canberrans can access the hotline on (02) 6207 7244.
The helpline will include health advice and requests for information on business or community stimulus packages, along with general inquiries about coronavirus.
Calls for assistance can also be made by vulnerable and isolated people, along with those who are in quarantine or self-isolation.
Canberrans can also use the helpline to report non-compliance by individuals or businesses to health directions or social distancing measures.
Referrals can also be made to ACT Health Protection Services, ACT police and Access Canberra.
ACT government websites providing information about coronavirus will continue to run as normal.
"The ACT government remains committed to keeping the community informed of the situation as it progresses," an ACT government spokeswoman said.
"We will continue to explore further ways that we are providing Canberrans with practical and reliable information on the spread of COVID-19 in our community."
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The launch of the coronavirus helpline for Canberrans also coincided with the government announcing the appointment of a local business commissioner, as businesses across Canberra close or experience a dramatic downturn in business due to the virus.
Current international engagement commissioner Brendan Smyth will take on the local business role, and will provide the government with advice on issues facing the sector as they deal with the pandemic.
The ACT government spokeswoman said Mr Smyth would work alongside landlords and tenants of commercial properties to mediate outcomes for changes to leases.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
