Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull is encouraging community members to look after their mental health as we combat the spread of COVID-19 and to take the time to check in with loved ones and neighbours.

Mr Bull said there were measures we could all take to ensure our own wellbeing as our community takes extreme measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.

“If you are worried about coronavirus and how it is affecting your life or people you love, you’re not alone,” said Mr Bull.

“As well as taking care of our physical health, we must look after our mental health especially during periods of isolation.

“The current environment can lead to feelings of anxiety and concern. 

“Make sure you get regular fresh air, exercise as appropriate and keep in touch with family and friends over the phone.

“Although we can’t be physically present with family and friends, it’s more important than ever to stay connected whether that’s with a phone call or video call.”

 

Beyond Blue has useful tips on how to look after your mental health during this time of self-isolation to stop the spread of COVID-19. These tips include:

 

• Trying to maintain perspective 

• Finding a healthy balance in relation to media coverage 

• Accessing good quality information

• Trying to maintain a practical and calm approach 

 

More resources and tips can be found at www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak 

More advice can be found at Head to Health at https://headtohealth.gov.au/ 

Those who need immediate support can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

With the Easter holiday period approaching, more detailed information for tourist accommodation providers is being sought by Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull.

“At present there is a directive to cease non-essential travel, but it lacks detail and is leaving accommodation providers in a predicament when people turn up for what is clearly non-essential visits (tourism),” he said.

“I have had cases where accommodation providers who want to do the right thing, are telling people they should not be away from home, but are then abused by those who have driven to the area and want to book in.

“What I am seeking – and we all need to work together on these matters – is for the advice on non-essential travel to be backed up with a solid unambiguous directive that accommodation operators can use as a clear-cut edict.

“This would at least give the business owners the support they need and provide clarity to the wider population.

“Most people are doing the right thing and not holidaying, but there a few still coming. I am pleased to say most tourism business operators are doing the right thing and refusing the bookings when it is clearly holiday travel, but they should not be copping a tongue lashing due to the uncertainty.

“These businesses cannot close as some accommodation is needed for essential services, but we need to help them with clearer information.”

Mr Bull said there was similar confusion with boating. He said Better Boating Victoria had stated it was a non-essential activity, but there was no real directive to back it up.

Caption; Local MP Tim Bull says tourism business need clearer advice on what constitutes non-essential travel.

Paynesville image courtesy of Visit Victoria Content Hub