As a nation we were all pretty anxious after a summer of unrelenting heat accompanied by unprecedented bushfires that burnt through 8000 hectares of land killing 30 people, destroyed thousands of homes and wiping out small communities.
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Drought breaking rains in some districts lifted our spirit momentarily before we were hit with another unprecedented event the arrival of the coronavirus, known officially as COVID-19.
This infection has pushed our anxiety levels through the roof sent many into panic buying mode and cancelled our normal lives.
The health impacts of this new 'novel' viral infection should be our number one priority at the moment. Limit the spread to protect the vulnerable, to maintain our health system and in doing so show we cherish our frontline health workers.
Put simply everyone of us should stay put. Limit your travel and social contact that way, as we have seen in Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea, you can slow the spread of the virus.
We understand it won't be easy but until a vaccine arrives its our best hope of surviving this infection.
Arguments on the size of gatherings forget about the number - stay home and increase your chance and the chance of your family and friends remaining virus free. Wash your hands and cover coughs and sneezes and stay home if sick.
The economic impacts of this measure will be severe especially on casual workers and small to medium businesses.
Thats where all levels of government must act with well timed and appropriate stimulus packages to limit the impacts including job losses and business closures.
Coming on top of the bushfires we are in uncharted territories for those in charge lets hope they take and act on the best expert advise in all health and economic decisions.
At the Singleton Argus please be advised our company Australian Community Media has asked that journalists work from home and that our community, wherever possible contact us by mobile and landline for the office. Footy tipping can be dropped in the box out the front - we will miss our chats very much.
Contacts:
Louise Nichols: 0439 084 032
Alex Tigani: 0439 109 293
Julia Moore: 0417 301 620
Office: Julie Bullock 6572 2611.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
