The constantly changing situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic, and local restrictions, can be frustrating and confusing, but everyone must take care to get information only from reputable sources.
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The first port of call if you're unsure about anything is the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website, or the helpline on 1800 675 398, which should clarify most questions about what is and is not allowed.
Social media and hearsay are not reliable sources and false rumours can spread easily. Already, police have posted warnings about scammers attempting to take advantage of people - if you feel you have been contacted by a scammer, phone police immediately.
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False health warnings are also prevalent - these are scary times, and conspiracy theorists are actively attempting to poison discussions about the virus, sometimes for profit.
The most accurate health information, again, is from the DHHS website, or phone your GP.
The Courier only updates its Ballarat coronavirus page once the DHHS has released its information each day.
Again, social media is rarely a good source for up-to-date health information.
If you see something you're not sure about, check the source - is it from a news agency you recognise?
Partisan beliefs on the political bias of news sites aside, mainstream and reputable sites face a higher standard of fact-checking.
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If something seems too strange to be true - or too good to be true - it likely is not true.
Remember that images can be doctored, often by people aiming to manipulate others, or just get them angry.
In a time when the community needs to pull together to get through a crisis, this is unhelpful at best and dangerous at worst.
Keep in mind that everyone is in the same boat - friends, family, co-workers, neighbours, strangers in the supermarket - and needs patience, understanding, and support.
State Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford said the online rumour mill was not helpful.
"'My friend's friend's friend said on Facebook' is not the kind of source you should be relying on for information on what the legal requirements that apply to you now are," she said.
"The DHHS website takes you straight to coronavirus information, it's organised very clearly, it's very succinct information, in different languages.
"People need to be thoughtful about the sources they're getting their information from, I think that will help, it will help people stay on the right side of the rules, and help make us all safer overall."
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Remember to maintain good hand hygiene, wear a mask when in public, and keep a 1.5 metre distance from others at all times.
From Wednesday night, there will only be four reasons to leave the house in Ballarat: care and caregiving, local exercise, shopping for essential items, and work or study if you're unable to do so from home - masks remain mandatory.
For more information on COVID-19, visit dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus or phone the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
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