Updates: Coronavirus COVID-19

Update #5 - 27/05/21

Victoria, Australia

As Melbourne's fourth lockdown comes into effect from 11:59 pm on the 27th of May for seven days, everyone must keep up-to-date with the latest restrictions.

Victoria's Acting Premier, James Merlino, has announced a state-wide Stage 3 lockdown that will see most businesses shut their doors or limit their operations.

The SMSGlobal team wants everyone to know that we're here to support them in any way we can during this time. Following all the necessary precautions, we remain available 24/7 to assist you and your business.

Stay safe, wash your hands, and keep connected.


Update #4 - 11/05/2020

AUSTRALIA

As COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease across Australia it’s important to stay informed. Knowing which restrictions apply to your business means you can keep customers up to date on business operations.

We may not go back to 'normal' right away. Still, with lesser restrictions, more businesses can open, more people can work, and there will be more personal freedoms. Ensure your customers know what new changes are coming to your business.

Last week, the Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison announced the Australian Government's 3 Step Framework for a COVID-safe Australia. With this, each state and territory has put in place differing degrees of restriction with consideration of individual COVID-19 circumstances.

In some states, businesses can begin to operate as normal so long as social distancing and hygiene measures are maintained. While densely populated states may proceed at a slower pace to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation as restrictions are eased.

Australia begins easing restrictions and reopening businesses

We’ve listed links to helpful resources for each state to help you understand how your business might be impacted:

  • Tasmania

If you require one-on-one support for any mission-critical SMS during this time, our support team is here to assist you round the clock.


Update #3 - 09/04/2020

The team at SMSGlobal wishes you a safe and Happy Easter.

While Easter this year is quite different, it’s still important to come together and enjoy this time with loved ones.

We know that maintaining effective communication is vital. The SMSGlobal team is available round the clock, to ensure all mission-critical messages are sent. We want you to know we’re here to assist you in every way we can.

To help our customers maintain a sense of community and fun, we’ve created a blog post on all the ways you can feel connected. In there, you’ll find new ways to socialize with friends and family, using technology already at your fingertips.

Check it out: ‘Easter cheat-sheet: how to stay connected during isolation

Stay well. Stay connected.


Update #2 - 20/03/2020

As businesses gear up for a time of unease, ongoing communications and consistent information is perhaps more critical than ever. Keep your customers informed.

A simple text can help let your customers know that you are thinking of them and will continue to support them during this time of uncertainty.

When communicating with customers, be transparent and keep them updated where possible, of any changes in the upcoming days and weeks. It’s equally important to let them know if they can expect no changes. Advise customers of changing business operations, product availability, and potential service interruptions as the situation evolves.

Our latest blog post, ‘Communicating during times of crisis’, can assist you with shaping your message.

If you’d like any further advice, assistance, or guidance, our Customer Success Team is happy to discuss the best communication strategy for your business and support you during these times.


Update #1 - 17/03/2020

As we navigate through the uncertainty that has come with coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to assure you that we aim to continue full operations without disruption during this time. We will be updating our blog weekly with helpful information, effective communication strategies, business operations, and industry news during this time.

How to formulate a message during trying times

When faced with a crisis, businesses need to communicate appropriately, transparently, and with empathy. Alerting management, employees, stakeholders, customers, and the public about what is going on is instrumental in navigating through difficult times.

Ensure to communicate three critical pieces of information when formulating your message:

  1. What the crisis is
  2. How the crisis might affect the business
  3. What can be done to prevent and reduce the impact on all involved

And don’t forget:

  • Make it short and sweet; be concise with your message and only include the essentials
  • Only provide accurate information backed by official health organizations
  • Have empathy; it’s important to remember we are all human

Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and keep safe!