It’s back again to plague us. Literally. The resurgence of COVID-19 in Melbourne and the vice-like grip the counter measures have taken on our lives seems unfair – especially since we only recently emerged from three months of a draining lockdown. And because we have already gone through those tough three months, this latest development seems even harder to take. But on the plus side, this time at least we know what to expect.

We at Neos Kosmos are proud that we were there to inform you during the first lockdown and we are determined to play our role in the community through this latest lockdown.

The reality is that, however hard this is to take, COVID-19 is not listening to our complaints. The fact it is there, whatever we think of it and if we do not act quickly, decisively it will just become an even bigger danger to us. The arguments about the seriousness of the virus and its origins rage in social media and in our discourse – it is hard to know who to believe and what we need to do. Especially if we do not like the idea of having to shut our businesses, risk our jobs, shut ourselves away.

One of the things that defines “Greekness” is sociability, a love of life and community. These pandemic measures are a direct contradiction of these qualities. Yet they are necessary. We need to bite the bullet. Again.

Measures introduced by federal and state government have given some reassurance that we can survive this economically. But there is a lot of misinformation out there that is spreading doubt and confusion. This has not helped to turn the tide on COVID-19 as we can only get through this if we act in unison.

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Over the last lockdown Neos Kosmos stayed with you to convey information that was necessary to help you find help and support and to give you an idea of how to cope and of how others are coping. We kept you informed on what was happening online whether it is for church services, cultural events and entertainments to help lessen our sense of isolation.

We have gone out to speak to people and business owners who have found ways to adapt under lockdown conditions.

We are still here with you in this latest shutdown. We are not going away and we are very proud that we have been able to do this for you, our community.

Associate Professor Eva Tsahuridu advises us all to adhere to the lockdown as the surest means defeat the pandemic. She also advises us to keep a physical distance from each other but not the cost of breaking our social bond to each other. Our sense of responsibility to ourselves and each other is needed now more than ever before.

Even if it is done through such artificial means as electric wires and wireless signals, keep talking to your friends, family and neighbours. Keep looking out for each other.

READ MORE: RMIT academic Tsahuridu says public needs to better understand need for lockdown

This crisis has been an opportunity to ask your elders about their life stories. For Example we have the story of St Nicholas Greek school getting its students to record the stories of their grandparents, their trials and successes when they were young. Now we all have the time to listen their stories. So let’s do that.

Neos Kosmos has gone out to the community to ask businesses about their stories in lockdown. Some have found ways to keep going, switching to take aways, or organizing delivery rounds – making do with what is little is on offer in lockdown. Others are in trouble and we are here to help and to tell their stories. On page 8 we have lists of Greek restaurants that will offer take aways and meal packs to save you cooking for yourself.

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Where we physically attended lectures, went to the theatre, museums, nightclubs, it is possible to register online to do the same, it is not the same but it is something. Our What’s On column on page 19 is there to keep you up to date with Greek community events online. We will keep you in the loop what the Greek online world is up to.

For those of the community in real strife there is support from a number of organisations. Telephone: (03) 9998 1988 to get help you need. We also encourage anyone from the community in need of assistance to contact Neos Kosmos on  (03) 9482 4433 or send us an email at enquiries@neoskosmos.com.au

Above all, try not to worry. We are here for each other.