Mildura has been declared a COVID hotspot by the Federal Government, opening up extra financial support through the COVID-19 Disaster Payment.
Individuals will be eligible for payment if they have lost between eight and less than 20 hours of work for a payment of $375, and for 20 or more hours of work for a payment of $600 during the period of lockdown.
The move comes after two positive cases emerged from the one Mildura household after they had attended an AFL game in Melbourne.
Declaring a hotspot for Commonwealth support also triggers, if required and the reprioritisation of vaccines supplies.
“The declaration of Mildura as a hotspot means that Commonwealth support will kick in,” Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster told Sunraysia Daily.
Dr Webster explained that there will be no liquid asset tests applied to eligibility for these payments and workers don’t need to use their annual leave.
“On Monday, I spoke to the Minister for Health Greg Hunt about the situation on the ground in Mildura,” she said.
“I made sure he was aware that our testing capacity was being stretched, and that some people had to be turned away.
“I also told him of the financial hardship many are facing due to another lockdown. I am pleased Mildura will now be able to access further support.”
Dr Webster said the way the Mildura community had pulled together over recent days and turned out in huge numbers for testing had been “inspiring”.
“This is yet another hurdle that I am confident the Mildura community will overcome,” she said.
“It is so important to stay connected to loved ones and look after your own mental health and wellbeing at this difficult time.”
Dr Webster said her office would be open for phone calls for anyone needing guidance about testing requirements, the current restrictions or support available.
