Covid Penrith: Essential workers keeping us safe during lockdown
While Penrith residents are facing some of the harshest lockdown restrictions in the state, there are plenty of people still turning up and working on the Covid frontline to keep us safe.
HyperLocal
Don't miss out on the headlines from HyperLocal. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Within the last week, 12 suburbs within our LGA were plunged into some of the hardest lockdown conditions in the state with tighter restrictions.
While it is undoubtedly difficult for residents to sit through, yet another round of restrictions, the people on the frontline are doing it tougher - while their families and friends worry about their safety working in our hospitals, medical centres, cafes and providing a fresh coffee to lift our moods.
These are the people on our frontline, keeping up safe in lockdown 2.0.
Dr Reza Hayatbakhsh - FirstCare Medical Centre Cranebrook
Frontline medical care has got to be one of the most in-demand services at the moment so The Penrith Press had to acknowledge doctors for all the work they’re doing.
Dr Reza is a GP at FirstCare Medical Centre in Cranebrook and is working overtime to ensure his community is protected.
“Normally I work 8 to 9 hours a day but because of the Covid outbreak. I’m working a minimum of 11 hours a day,” Dr Hayatbakhsh said.
His clinic also provides Covid vaccines, aside from the usual medical consultations they usually offer.
“In addition to seeing patients for normal queries, we are also providing both AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines,” he said.
The Cranebrook-based doctor said he was aware of the toll the outbreak has taken on the community and encouraged people to follow guidelines for a smooth transition out of lock down.
“The current outbreak and lock down is affecting the physical and mental health of our community so we are trying our best to speed up this lock down by encouraging everyone to follow health guidelines and get vaccinated,” he said.
Nepean Hospital Intensive Care Unit
At the forefront of the fight against Covid is our hardworking doctors, nurses and paramedics in some of the businesses hospitals in the state.
The Nepean Hospital Intensive Care Unit team are right at the forefront of the battle against Covid and come face-to-face with some of the hardest hit patients fighting the virus.
“The Nepean Hospital Intensive Care Unit team are on the frontline everyday caring for our most vulnerable and critically ill patients. You can help them by following the health advice and getting vaccinated,” a spokesperson for Nepean Hospital said.
Constable Kayla Thomson
This young constable is new to the Nepean Police Area Command but the essential worker is keen to serve.
Aside from general police duties, she also is taked with ensuring Covid health measures are met around the local government area.
“To get out of lockdown as soon as possible, we ask that the community stay at home, get vaccinated and follow the NSW health guidelines,” she said.
The young gun looks forward to serving the community within this difficult time and in the future once life can go back to some semblance of normal.
Musa - Pharmacist at Penrith 24 Hour Pharmacy HealthSAVE
Musa, and her colleagues at Penrith 24-Hour Pharmacy HealthSAVE, are friendly faces who are happy to help their community by serving with a smile.
“As a pharmacist, I’m an essential worker because I ensure that people still have access to their medications,” Musa said.
“We’re Penrith’s 24-hour pharmacy. We’re essential workers in this pandemic and we’re always ready to serve you so come in and see us.”
The pharmacy is open 24/7 to ensure that people have access to medications at any time so we had to give them a shout out for their efforts.
Leading Senior Constable Simon Gairns
Leading Senior Constable Simon Gairns has been with the Nepean Police Area Command for 11 years and has continued to serve throughout the peaks and troughs of lock down over the past two years.
“My job is to attend to all the general police duties and, off late, COVID compliance,” he explained.
“If the community stays home and obeys guidelines to minimise the spread, it’ll help us get out of lockdown sooner,” he added.
Snr Constable Gairns said he was looking forward to the future but called upon locals to follow guidelines so lock down can end sooner.
Varinder Pawar - Barrister
Lawyers are one of the many types of workers that are considered essential.
Father-of-two and Glenmore Park-based barrister, Varinder Pawar, has been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure members of his community have access to representation.
“Lawyers are responsible for rendering a variety of critical services such as property settlements, commercial settlements and appearing for people that have been arrested or requiring urgent legal assistance,” he said.
“Without lawyers and courts, our society would not be able to function smoothly.”
The legal space has evolved so it can operate under current lockdown conditions, according to Mr Pawar.
“As a result of lockdown, solicitors and barristers have had to adjust their practice to comply with the health orders and with the various directions given by the courts,” he said.
“Face-to-face services such as meetings and statements or evidence have gone digital. Court appearances have also gone digital via audio visual link, however, some in court appearances are still being conducted such as bail applications.”
Constable Timothy Keating
Another young constable from Nepean Police Area Command, Timothy Keating said he was keen to keep the community in check so life can get back to normal.
“I think it’s important, under the current public health order, that everyone stay at home and get vaccinated if possible so we can soon see life get back to normal,” he said.
Daniel and Jess - Mr Watkins
It’s no doubt food is on everyone’s mind, especially during lockdown, which is why hospitality businesses like Mr Watkins are so important.
Floor manager Daniel, and administration manager-turned-barista Jess, have also been working through the pandemic.
“We’re working through Covid, and we’ve done this before, so we quickly pivoted our business to take away meals,” Jess said.
“The bar is not open so business has been affected but we’re still running the cafe and takeaway. The local community have been awesome and we have to thank them for their support.”
Mr Watkins boasts and array of food and beverage options so Daniel said he hoped locals continue to come through the door.
“The local community can continue to come in and get coffee, take away meals, cocktail jars and in-house baked goods. They’ve been awesome so far and we hope they continue to support us,” he said.
Anthony Rastegorac - Lawyer at Amanda Little and Associates
Anthony Rastegorac who works at Amanda Little and Associates and is helping provide this essential service to clients and the community.
“Whilst we try and get through this pandemic, our firm is working hard to continue to provide the high level of legal expertise and support our clients are accustomed to,” he said.
“Our support may look a little different at this time due to the coronavirus outbreak, and our delivery of services slightly altered but our dedication and care is the same.”
Check out the latest on Penrith roads
The daily commute is better with a little planning. Here's some roads it might be best to avoid today
Read more
Here’s what you can expect with today’s Penrith weather
As spring sets in what can locals expect today? We have the latest word from the Weather Bureau.
Read more