CEO Update: Melbourne's Lockdown and Masks

FULL TRANSCRIPT

"Hi I’m Simon Ruth, From Thorne Harbour Health.

Melbourne is our birthplace. In fact, this weekend marks 37 years since we were founded at The Laird on 12 July 1983.

This week has been a disappointing and frustrating one as Melbourne returns to lockdown, but I know many of you understand what’s at stake.

We mustn’t lose sight of why we’re doing this – our collective health and wellbeing.

In so many parts of the world, we’ve seen the frustration and fatigue from ongoing restrictions has led people to take risks. And as a result, more people now have COVID-19.

We ALL have to take action to stop the spread of this virus.

Going back into lockdown isn’t going to be easy.

If you need support, there are a range of services out there.

This includes our Rainbow Connection service which offers assistance to any LGBTI person affected by COVID-19. So whether you need a meal or social connection,

Rainbow Connection is able to help.

Call 1800 961 780

or email: rainbowconnection@thorneharbour.org

All our services are still operating, but some have had to take extra precautions.

Head to: ThorneHarbour.org and check out the COVID-19 Services Update for more information.

As we return to lockdown, we also need everyone to continue to avoid having casual sex.

We appreciate how long it’s been, but we need to remember - sex spreads COVID-19.

And finally, Victoria’s Premier is now asking all Melburnians to start wearing face masks out in public. We have re-released our guide for using cloth masks to prevent COVID-19.

You can find this on the Thorne Harbour website and on our social media.

It won’t be like this forever.

We have done this before and we can do it again.

Stay safe, access support, and to all our colleagues and friends in rural Victoria and in South Australia – we hope to be able to visit you again soon.