Thelma Plum has tested positive with COVID-19 coronavirus.

The Gamilaraay singer-songwriter issued a statement on Monday afternoon confirming that she is currently in hospital after being diagnosed with coronavirus on Sunday morning.

"I am currently being managed by the Brisbane Metro North Public Health Unit and they’re taking very good care of me," Thelma writes. "At this time the Dr wants to keep me here until at least Friday, but the rules around being released are constantly changing."

"I don’t even really know where to begin, what a wild ride this last month has been for the world. All I can do is stress how important it is to be kind and compassionate to each other during this time & that we need to be looking out for & prioritising the most vulnerable people," she continues.

"This means skip that party, bar, restaurant or show you really want to go to & practice social distancing."

"The lack of action taken by the government has left me feeling quite anxious and hopeless, as it has many other people. Schools need to be shut down but there needs to be structures in place that can ensure low income families and vulnerable people aren’t being left in the dark. People need to work from home and if they aren’t able to the government needs to step in & financially help. Putting a temporary moratorium on things like rent, bills & mortgages could be a great start."

triple j wishes Thelma a speedy recovery, and rooting for her during this crazy time. View the full post below.



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The Gamilaraay singer-songwriter has recently been overseas in London, recording new material with Alexander Burnett, who worked closely with the 25-year-old on her debut album Better In Blak.

Thelma's current condition also puts a question mark over her upcoming ‘Homecoming Queen’ tour. Kicking off in May, the run of shows with Kira Puru is to celebrate Thelma’s Hottest 100 history-making success around Better In Blak.

In todays' post, the 25-year-old added a plea for people to do all they can to limit the spread of the disease, emphasising the devastating impact its spread could have on Australia’s Indigenous communities.

"I cannot stress enough how much this virus has the potential to severely harm our communities (particularly our Indigenous communities). We need to know that the public health system is going to care for our communities."

"If you’re feeling anxious or concerned you could contact your local 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."

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An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island advisory group set up by the Federal Government has been tasked with creating an emergency response plan for Indigenous communities that are at higher risk to any potential spread of COVID-19.

Federal and state health authorities are concerned that the impact of the coronavirus could be “severe” on remote Indigenous communities, among the most vulnerable of any group in Australia as they already face issues like chronic health conditions, lack of resources, and overcrowded housing.

Potential spread is “very, very risky indeed” Pat Turner told ABC. “The best course of action will be prevention,” said Turner, a member of the advisory board and chief executive of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).

Travel restrictions have already imposed in some regions. On Thursday, the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) enforced strict rules in South Australia for entry into their lands. Similarly, the Northern Land Council (NCL) has closed off any non-essential travel to communities in the Northern Territory’s Top End to combat the potential spread of coronavirus.

Indigenous communities were hit hard during the 2009 swine flu outbreak, with research showing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 11% of all identified cases, 20% of hospitalisations, and 13% of deaths, despite making up 3% of the population.