Be Kind, Be Thoughtful
Stage 3 restrictions
Stage 3 restrictions came into effect in regional Victoria on 6 August 2020.
This means there are only four reasons to leave you home:
- Care and caregiving
- Daily exercise
- Work and study – if you can’t do it from home
- Shopping for food and essential items. We encourage you to support Ballarat businesses
Get tested
Get tested if you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild.
There are now two COVID-19 testing clinics in Ballarat. Anyone who is showing even the mildest of symptoms should get tested.
Testing is currently available to people with the following symptoms: fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of sense of smell or taste.
Booking a test is simple:
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Ballarat Community Health COVID-19 testing centre located at the Ballarat Senior Citizens Centre in Little Bridge Street. To book an appointment, call 1800 054 172
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Ballarat UFS COVID-19 testing clinic located in Lucas. To book an appointment, call 03 4311 1571
You must return home immediately after the test and remain in self-isolation until you receive your test result.
Practice good hygiene
Good hygiene is critical for slowing the spread of coronavirus. Everyone should be taking the following hygiene actions:
Wash your hands
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Wash your hands regularly with for at least 20 seconds, using soap and water or use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 percent alcohol
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Wash your hands when you get home, arrive at other people’s homes, at venues or at work
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Wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or using the toilet
Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands
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Cover your nose or mouth with a tissue, then throw it away and wash your hands
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If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
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Do not share drink bottles, glasses, crockery or cutlery other than with people you live with
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/staying-safe-covid-19
Keep your distance
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Stay 1.5 metres away from anyone you don’t live with
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Greet people with a smile or wave - don’t shake hands, hug or kiss as a greeting
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When waiting in line or walking through busy areas, be patient, give others space so they can give you yours
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/staying-safe-covid-19
Face masks are now mandatory

Victorians are now required to wear a face covering when leaving home.
If you cannot purchase or make a face mask an alternative form of covering including a scarf or bandana may be used.
And while it's important we're all wearing a mask and protecting one another, it doesn't mean they can't be stylish. To help you in your search for a mask, we've put together a list of local creators and businesses currently making and selling them.
How to make a cloth face mask (Vic Gov, DHHS)
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/staying-safe-covid-19
Putting on and taking off a face mask requires strict hygiene practices so that you don't accidentally transfer the virus to yourself or others.
Ballarat Health demonstrate how
References and for more information:
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/how-stay-safe-and-well-covid-19
https://www.bhs.org.au/news-and-events/covid-19-information/