COVID-19 is an illness caused by the coronavirus and it is having a big impact globally.

Under the current pandemic, we all need to take extra care of ourselves and those around us, accepting that – for now – the way we go about our lives has changed a lot.

Contracting coronavirus can have devastating consequences. Some Aboriginal people are more at risk, including Elders, people with co-morbidities (health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular illness, cancer, and dementia), and those living in overcrowded conditions.

Keeping you safe

Additional entry restrictions for the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands and the Maralinga Tjarutja (MT) Lands were introduced on 23 November 2021. This includes the requirement that anyone entering the APY or MT Lands must be fully vaccinated.

Read more about Restrictions on movement into Aboriginal communities.

What you should do

Watch the short video Stop the Spread. Stay Strong featuring SA's Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier and AHCSA CEO, Shane Mohor.

Social distancing (also known as physical distancing) and practising good hygiene can help.

Watch out for the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, sweats or chills, sore throat, cough, runny nose, tiredness or fatigue, trouble breathing, loss of taste, and loss of smell.

If you have any of these symptoms, stay at home and phone your local health clinic or the 24-hour National Coronavirus Information Line on 1800 020 080.

If you need urgent help, call an ambulance on 000.

Support is also available via:

• SA Aboriginal Mental Health Support and Advice Line (Thirilli): 1800 841 313
• SA COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line (8:00 am to 8:00 pm, 7 days): 1800 632 753
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• SA Mental Health Triage: (24/7) 131 465
• Lifeline Australia: 131 114
• Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
• Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800
• Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS): 1300 131 340
• 1800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732 for confidential information, counselling and support
• SA COVID-19 Information Line: 1800 253 787 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week)

Downloads

The SA government and the Aboriginal Health Council of SA Ltd (AHCSA)* have partnered on a targeted COVID-19 education campaign called ‘Stop the Spread. Stay Strong’ and links to downloadable campaign posters** in both English and Pitjantjatjara language can be found below, along with email signature banners. The Pitjantjatjara posters are accompanied by audio descriptions of the poster messages.

More information

• SA COVID-19 Information Line 1800 253 787 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week)
• Visit COVID-19 – protecting Aboriginal communities - Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation
• Visit Australia.gov.au or call the National Coronavirus Info Line, 1800 020 080 (24 hours)

* AHCSA is the peak community controlled body for Aboriginal health in South Australia. Visit https://ahcsa.org.au/

**These materials were designed by Ochre Dawn Creative Industries, a 100% Aboriginal owned and operated South Australian business.