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Access to Localised Information and Education and Awareness
Diagram 17:Effects on People Experiencing Disruptions to In-home Care
63%
76% 36%
9%
36%
Lack of access to Groceries and Supplies (24) Increased Domestic Violence (6) Increased Levels of Alcohol (24) Increased Anxiety and Stress (51) Increased Social Isolation or Loneliness (42)
This cohort also reported very high levels of mental health concerns, with 76% (51) reporting increased anxiety and stress and over 63% (42) expressing a sense of isolation or loneliness. Comments from respondents identified the greater levels of risk for those aged and/or living with a disability in the community and the need for a check-up service. Some suggested permissions be granted to nurses to visit patients.
The data demonstrates that people continue to be impacted by the interface between the current housing crises and the effects of COVID19. On this topic, many respondents held negative views. Some respondents stated that relocation of people from other areas without appropriate supports has created a local housing crisis, and others expressed perceptions that those migrating were ‘taking’ jobs and housing in Cairns. The affordability of housing has raised concerns, particularly for older adults who are renting.
I am a single retired female in late 60s whose rent was put up by $40 p.w. recently, so yes, I am feeling very insecure and stressed.
While many of the written responses debated what constituted an essential business and the effectiveness of lockdowns as a response strategy, the focus on impacts and improvements to assist community preparedness and response focused on increased access to localised and centralised information and ongoing education and awareness raising.
Many responses focused on improved access and provision of information, with respondents calling for a centralised and credible point of authority to provide localised information. Many respondents perceived that a lack of timely and relevant information and difficulty navigating the State Government sites impacted their preparedness lead times.
We didn't know about the lockdown until the actual day as we don't watch TV everyday & nothing was posted from your site before-hand which I follow. We were notified by a family member who lives in Melbourne.
More transparency and focused reporting (not just the state based SEQ (South East QLD) press conference).
Separate Cairns contact locations to the rest of SEQ.. too hard to find in the list.
Too much second guessing resulted from appalling lack of information.
Better communication from our local health services, clearer instructions as to testing facilities and procedures.
More communication relevant to our local area not Qld in general.
SO MUCH conflicting information.
A large proportion of written responses spoke of the need to undertake ongoing community education and awareness of lockdown requirements. The focus on improvements included both preparation for snap-lockdowns as well as reducing associated antisocial behaviours (such as panic buying) to support compliance (both voluntary and mandated).
I personally think the lockdown went well. The only thing I can say is there a few people not obeying the rules, I got yelled at for being a moron for wearing a mask.
Teach people about pre-lockdown preparedness so they don’t panic buy excessive groceries to the point that others go without.
I wish there was, somehow help people to understand lockdown is short term and its OK, there are plenty of services available still through the community, they are not on their own.
In this regard, several respondents called for a similar warning system used for other events such as cyclones that could be activated as soon as a lockdown was announced and would put a relatable structure around the process.
Put forward an information leaflet about a "Lock-down kit" similar to the "preparing for a cyclone" kit to avoid panic buying.
….people should prepare themselves in a similar way we do for Cyclones.
