Minister for Family and Community Services Gareth Ward this morning said the state had developed an official process to match volunteers with their community’s most vulnerable individuals.
Thos interested in volunteering can refer to the Centre for Volunteering for more information or to register.
“What this platform seeks to do is connect people that want to provide support and assistance, as many of us might have some extra time at the moment that we can give,” Ward said.
Volunteering tasks could include phone calls to check in with the local elderly, or shopping for those who can’t leave their house.
“We know for those who are most vulnerable, they’re likely to experience a level of social isolation, at least until there’s a vaccine, and that could be a year or longer,” Berejiklian said.
“We want to make sure the processes are in place to support those who are most vulnerable.”
It comes after NSW reported nine new cases of coronavirus overnight.
One of the cases was a staff member at Anglicare’s Newmarch House, the western Sydney aged care facility which has now become the country’s second-deadliest cluster, as announced by NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant on Tuesday.
Two of the cases were returned overseas travellers staying in hotels, and one was a contact of a known case.
The five remaining infections are still under investigation.
Dr Chant said the state’s new goal was to conduct 10,000 tests a day.
“Please come forward and get tested,” she said.
“This will give us assurance that we can jump quickly on any cases identified.”
NSW has recorded 3042 cases of the virus since the start of the outbreak, while the state’s death toll stands at 44.
