Living with the COVID Emergency
Here are suggestions to help at this worrying time:-
1. Social Contact with family and friends.
Phone call and texting can keep you in contact, but face to face
video chatting where you can both talk and see each other person is much
more personal. One on one is great for private conversations, but video group
chats with family or friends can be even more rewarding.
Video chats can be made using mobile phones, laptops and most tablets.
Maybe your younger family members are already using one or more of these
options, if not the following Internet links demonstrate and/or describe some of
the ways you could start a group video chat.
2. Banking and Buying safely
At this critical time this is arguably the most important facility for us to manage
our “stay at home” life. To be able to buy goods and services with your phone or
computer and have them delivered without leaving home.
We still have to eat and replenish medical supplies. Much safer to order food, meals
or other essentials for home delivery, than visit shops.
Banking safely: Australian banks must guarantee you against loss through scams for
credit/debit card and online banking.
Avoiding "dirty" cash
Another important recommendation is to use contactless transactions rather than
cash. Notes and coins are handled many times and Covid-19 or other virus can live on
notes and coins for several days.
China has now setup continuous sterilisation of notes.
Use “Tap and Go” card payments, to avoid handling cash for protection of yourself and
checkout operators. Some businesses are now accepting electronic payments only,
which is legal providing customers are advised before the transaction.
When making Internet purchases eBay and Paypal can be used to provide added
security and protection. For more information click eBay-Paypal .
3. Digital books and Online Reading
This opens up an almost limitless access to all types of information.
Reading can be both entertaining and informative. Many millions of articles
covering every possible topic are available on the Internet and also as digital
books from libraries and other sources. Here are links to some of them:-
Free books after registering, plus extensive online information.
Free and purchased books,
Free books after registering
Over 60,000 free books - many old masters.
4. Other Internet entertainment
Search and click on say Venice or France then select “Videos”. Go searching for
Travel videos. You can travel the world without leaving home. See side panlel
on left YouTube videos are available free with an initial advert, (usually only a
few seconds). You can pay a small monthly fee to eliminate the adds.
5. Feeling Stressed or Upset?
With al the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 many can worry or feel stressed.
Some helpful advice from the The World Health Organisation and Australia’s
own Beyond Blue is accessible by clicking on the following link:
6. Music
Music is a great way to relax. Try Jango for free unlimited music.
Click the three dots menu to browse music---
Classical & Opera, Gospel & Christian, Jazz, Sleep,
Decades 60's 70's 80's etc and much more.
In Windows 10 you also have Groove music already installed.
Again free - Search songs, artistes, albums.