Singer-songwriter Thelma Plum has announced she’s returned a positive test for COVID-19.
Plum made the announcement on her Instagram, revealing she was tested for coronavirus on Sunday (March 15), and just received the bad news.
The acclaimed Aussie artist didn’t reveal whether she was feeling ill, but told her fans that the Brisbane North Metro Unit are “taking very good care” of her and thanked the “the incredible staff here, the nurses, doctors, the nice man Steve who comes in to change the bins.
“To say they’ve gone above and beyond is an understatement.”
Plum, who won Album Of The Year at the recent 2020 Queensland Music Awards, stressed that now more than ever it is important “to be kind and compassionate to each other” and that “we need to be looking out for & prioritising the most vulnerable people.
“This means skip that party, bar, restaurant or show you really want to go to & practice social distancing,” she continued. “I cannot stress enough how much this virus has the potential to severely harm our communities (particularly our Indigenous communities).
Plum implored indigenous Australians feeling anxious or concerned to contact their Aboriginal Medical Service for initial advice.
“Alternatively you could contact the Coronavirus Health Information Line which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week on PH: 1800 020 080,” she said.
She also criticised the government for its “lack of action” and called on schools to be shut, as well as structures to be put in place to “ensure low income families and vulnerable people aren’t being left in the dark.”
Plum recently announced a nationwide tour of Australia kicking off in May and going through to July. She did not address whether her diagnosis may affect the tour or not.