How Many Zeros in 320 billion?
Scroll to the end for the answer.
Has it blown your mind yet how much the government is releasing to look after Australians?
JobKeeper
Maybe you were one of many Australians who breathed an audible sigh of relief as the government once again provided a welcome income buffer? The JobKeeper package was outlined by the Treasurer yesterday. It’s historically unprecedented, and good news for any worker who has been stood down since 1 March, or whose job is under threat because business is bad.
And it’s good news for employers facing the tough possibility of letting valued staff go. With this boost, even if businesses go into hibernation, employers can keep their people on the books for when they bounce back.
It’s immediate – it begins right now.
It’s serious – it’s going to become a legal obligation to employers, delivered by employers, with reimbursement to them through the ATO.
Talk to your employer to find out more.
So how are we doing health-wise?
Initial hopes remain high that our changes in lifestyle are effectively flattening the curve. We are warned, though, that it’s early days, and we still have a marathon ahead. The “stay at home” and social distancing advice remains a priority. (Encouraging graphhere)
An Army….of Carers
Queensland Premier, Anna Palaszczuk, mobilised a Care Army of volunteers yesterday to support and protect seniors. A new telephone hotline has been launched, and awareness campaigns on how we can help seniors are underway.
Queenslanders wishing to volunteer can contact 1800 173 349.
The Stats
- 4707 were Australians confirmed as having COVID-19 as at 6:00am on 1 April. Most are from New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
- 20 have died from COVID-19, with Tasmania counting a second death yesterday on their tally.
- More than 250,000 tests have been conducted across Australia.
Hope Over Fear
Today’s good news:
Public and private sectors are joining forces to meet the country’s needs, with innovative solutions resulting.
- A Queensland manufacturer, Triple Eight Race Engineering, has developed a low-cost ventilator prototype, after usual operations were suspended due to the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix. The initiative is now working to meet regulatory requirements.
- Distilleries across Australia are turning productions from beverages to hand-santiser. An Instagram from cricketer Shane Warne, co-owner of SevenZeroEight distillery said, “This is a challenging time for Australians and we all need to do what we can to help our healthcare system combat this disease and save lives.” For some breweries, like The Bellarine Brewing Co in Victoria, the change in operation may help keep the business afloat.
Around the world, countries are buddying up too. Two months ago WHO asked the G20 (‘privileged’) countries for US$ 675 million in donations to help support countries worldwide to prepare for and respond to COVID-19. They have collectively come to the table with $622 million already.
“In the eye of a storm like COVID, scientific and public health tools are essential, but so are humility and kindness.
With solidarity, humility and assuming the best of each other, we can – and will – overcome this together.”
- WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Your Tip for Today
If you’re worried that you’ve contracted COVID-19 there are interactive self-assessments you can take online to work out what to do.
Select the relevant link below or check your state’s health website:
Quick trivia: What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Scroll down for the answer.
What About You?
I’d love to hear your stories.
- What acts of humility and kindness have you seen?
- Will you benefit from any of the latest government packages? What does that mean for you?
Let me know how you’re going. Please leave a comment.
Answers:
How many zeros in 320 billion?
Nine – 320,000,000,000. That’s a lot of dollars.
Symptoms of COVID-19?
Surprisingly, not sneezing.
- fever
- sore throat
- cough
- tiredness
- difficulty breathing.
While coronavirus is of concern, it is important to remember that most people displaying these symptoms are likely suffering with a cold or other respiratory illness – not coronavirus.
Information Sources
Department of Health stats
Prime Minister’s media releases 30 March 2020
https://www.pm.gov.au/media/130-billion-jobkeeper-payment-keep-australians-job
https://www.pm.gov.au/media/press-conference-australian-parliament-house-act-14
https://www.pm.gov.au/media/statement-update-coronavirus-measures
WHO – Director-General media release 30 March
ATO – JobKeeeper Information
https://www.ato.gov.au/general/gen/JobKeeper-payment/
Australian Government – Covid-19 Status Notification Form
https://covid-form.service.gov.au
QLD Government – From racing cars to ventilators
QLD Government – Care Army
The New Daily – Distilleries are switching form alcohol to hand sanitiser
Dept of Health – FAQ
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions
Paul Murray (Sky News) podcast 1 April 2020: PM in the AM
Trent says:
Great article, good summary
Caryn Jacobs says:
Thanks, Trent. There should be many more to come. 🙂
Pam says:
Loving your clear and concise, unbiased information Caryn !
We are seeing revival around us at Genesis as people seek to draw near to the Father for hope and inspiration .
My word from the Lord last week was STOP .
Listen to the stories of the hurting people around us , minister to their needs . It’s time to shine as believers so that the world will know us by our love , which points directly to Jesus the author of our Faith .
Caryn Jacobs says:
Thanks, Pam. Yes, I am loving the slowing down of society despite the strangeness of the season. I have formed so many new connections with neighbours in the last week alone, and am loving that. Thanks for sharing your story.