'We will survive'. That's the message Pius X Aboriginal Corporation is hoping to spread to Moree's Aboriginal community as the clinic ramps up its hygiene and social distancing measures.
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On Thursday, the clinic staff will be performing their very own skit, with some word changes, to Gloria Gaynor's song I Will Survive which will be posted to Facebook to spread some positivity to the community, along with some important messages about stopping the spread of coronavirus.
"There's not much to smile about these days, so we have to put some positivity out there," Pius X nurse manager Rosemary Ross said.
"Let's be positive, we will survive this."
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Following the federal government's latest measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, which includes a limit of two people in public gatherings, the clinic has implemented a number of restrictions to keep the community safe.
Everybody who arrives at the clinic is being screened, which includes a questionnaire and the taking of their temperature, before they can step foot inside.
Only two people are allowed inside the waiting room, while another two can wait outside under the shelter. Any further patients who arrive will be instructed by staff to wait in their car.
The government has also recommended that everyone aged over 70 should self-isolate at home, along with anyone over 60 who has an existing health condition or comorbities and Indigenous Australians over the age of 50 who have existing health conditions or comorbidities.
All people must stay at home unless they are obtaining food or other goods and services; travelling for work or education if they cannot do it at home; exercising; and going out for medical or caring reasons.
Following this advice, Pius is hoping to do as many over-the-phone consultations as they can to prevent people from having to come to the clinic in person.
Staff are calling all patients with booked appointments and offering them the choice for consults to take place over the phone, at no cost.
"We highly encourage all patients to take this option for their own safety and the safety of others in these times," Ms Ross said.
People can also call Health Direct on 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse.
Pius is contacting all of its clients aged over 70, advising them not to come in, and will be sending them packages in the coming days.
Ms Ross said it's "imperative" for Aboriginal people to follow all social distancing guidelines, including staying at least 1.5 metres away from people in public and regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
"Many Aboriginal people have a chronic disease, low socio-economic living standards and higher death rates than the rest of the population," she said.
"We need to keep people aware; they need to understand what social distancing is."
To reinforce these messages, Pius is also distributing flyers with information from the Department of Health.
In the coming weeks staff will also be doing drive-by flu shot clinics for all Pius clients.
All Australians are being urged to get their flu shot this month in an effort to reduce the risk of people contracting both influenza and coronavirus at the same time.
This year there is also a flu vaccine specifically targeted to people aged 65 and over.
