"Make sure we get the vaccine done, make sure you stay negative, do the lockdown. It is very hard culturally to be away from our family but if that is what it takes to get rid of this virus, then that’s what we must do.” - Wilcannia's River Radio Brendon Adams.
The current Covid 19 outbreak has claimed the life of an Aboriginal Elder as locals and authorities scramble to contain the virus.
Local journalist Brendon Adams is urging the community to heed medical advice and reflects on the situation as a preventable catastrophe.
He says mental health is an area of concern and the condition is being exacerbated not only by by the spread of the virus in the community but also by some of the biosafety responses that conflict with Aboriginal cultural norms.
Some key points:
- Local services are stretched
- Overcrowding with over 12 residents in some households
- Lack of adequate public housing
- High unemployment
- Low income
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