Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 is part of a larger family of viruses known as coronaviruses.

According to the WHO, COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This is a new virus that was unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Symptoms of COVID-19 commonly include fever, tiredness and a dry cough.

Some people may also experience aches and pains, a runny nose and sore throat.

For most people, these symptoms are mild and begin gradually. Some infected people don’t develop any symptoms at all.

COVID-19 is spread through direct contact with contaminated droplets. This can happen when:

• You inhale droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze.
• You are in close contact with an infected person (including in the 24 hours before they started showing symptoms).
• You touch objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) that have cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face.

The most recent WHO figures state that about 80% of people recover from COVID-19 without needing special treatment.

However, approximately 1 out of every 6 people who gets the virus becomes seriously ill.

Some of the most at risk include older people (60 and older), and those with pre-existing medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Practice social distancing (of at least 1.5 metre).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay up-to-date and informed with the latest information.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical attention. Make sure you call your doctor or hospital ahead of time to protect others and reduce the potential spread of the virus.

Remember: as in any emergency, if you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help.

If you are unsure or need more information specific to your situation, advice is available from the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. The information line is run by the Australian Government and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.