Monash coronavirus infection rate rises with another confirmed case overnight

The number of people being diagnosed in Monash with coronavirus is on the rise as a mindfulness expert says self-isolation while facing an uncertain future could be a recipe for disaster.

There have been 14 cases of coronavirus recorded in Monash.

There are no new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Monash overnight, with the municipality’s total number of infections remaining on 43.

Monash is the 11th most prevalent local government area in Victoria for COVID-19, with 1299 cases now confirmed across the state.

Meanwhile, senior Monash Council staff have volunteered to freeze any pay rises for at least the next financial year because of the crisis.

Mayor Stuart James said the move would help provide the organisation with stability during the crisis.

“Council’s executive and managers have voluntarily determined to undertake a freeze on any increases for the next financial year to support our staff and keep jobs going,” he said.

The council has already had to let go an undisclosed number of agency and short-term temporary staff, as well as casuals on short-term contracts.

Permanent and long-term casuals remain in their positions with the council.

Cr James said the move followed a recent meeting at which the council agreed to a set of “principles to guide decision making” during the coronavirus crisis.

“In this time of uncertainty our council took the unique position of giving assurance of ongoing employment for permanent staff. Casual staff who are employed by council and who have worked on a regular and systematic basis for six months or more have also been given this assurance,” he said.

Meanwhile, people are advised to log off from social media and get some fresh air and sunshine – even if it’s only in your backyard.

Across Victoria there have so far been 1212 confirmed cases, with the Federal Government responding with a wide-ranging shutdown of businesses, and calling on people to remain at home unless they have an essential reason for going out.

Mindfulness expert Craig Hassed, a Monash University Faculty of Medicine associate professor, said having activities curtailed while also facing an uncertain future was a recipe for disaster.

“Boredom can be the devil’s playground and so we need to give ourselves a break from being cloistered indoors,” he said.

“Social distancing is important but people need to get some sunshine and fresh air, even if it’s just in your backyard or a walk around the block.”

Prof Hassed said COVID-19 had unmasked “background anxiety” prevalent in society and highlighted how important it was to treat others with respect, especially online.

“Anxiety can be very contagious in itself, so we end up spreading this contagion of fear and anxiety,” he said.

MORE: OUTER EAST COVID-19 CASES

BAGS OF COMMUNITY LOVE AND CARE

RATES COULD RISE THREE PER CENT

“We need to create an environment that will sustain us rather than undermine us, and so it’s absolutely important to give ourselves a break. Reconnect with things we haven’t done for a while, a creative outlet, jigsaws, or board games. Too much screen time is isolating in itself.”

Prof Hassed said a Monash Uni online short course was available on the FutureLearn app.

Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance is free and live now.

[e-mail]