COVID-19 Facts

The global pandemic caused by the Coronavirus has made significant changes to our day to day life. But what do we actually know about this disease? COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus. Previous strains include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) that killed 774 people in the early 2000s, and the MERS Virus – or “camel flu” – that emerged in the Middle East in 2012.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly.

COVIDSafe app

The COVIDSafe app is part of our work to slow the spread of COVID-19. Having confidence we can find and contain outbreaks quickly will mean governments can ease restrictions while still keeping Australians safe. The new COVIDSafe app is completely voluntary. Downloading the app is something you can do to protect you, your family and friends and save the lives of other Australians. The more Australians connect to the COVIDSafe app, the quicker we can find the virus.

Explaining COVID-19 to kids

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you’re hearing about COVID-19 right now. It’s also understandable if your children are feeling anxious too. Children might find it difficult to understand what they are seeing online and on TV – or hearing from other people – so they may be vulnerable to feeling anxiety, stress and sadness. But having and open and supportive discussion with your children can help them to understand and cop better.

What to do if you feel unwell

If you’re feeling unwell and displaying cold or flu like systems, it is important that you stay at home and seek medical advice – please DO NOT enter the community or workforce until a medical professional has advised it is safe to do so. Learn more about the steps to take if you think you may have COVID-19

Essential v non essential gatherings

On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has placed limits on public gatherings. These limits have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and are especially important for at risk people, such as older people and those with chronic conditions. But what is the difference between Non-essential and Essential gatherings? We break this down for you here.

Hygiene matters

Everyone can slow the spread of COVID-19 by washing their hands frequently, covering their coughs, putting tissues straight into the bin, avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth, cleaning regularly used objects and services and ventilating their home or workspace. Everyone should practise good hygiene and protect against infection and prevent the virus from spreading.

Keeping informed about COVID-19 key websites to visit

COVID-19 is an evolving situation that has changed the way we live, work and connect with family and friends. Each day, there is new information and updates coming from numerous sources. In times of uncertainty, it is essential to ensure the information we are relying on comes from a trusted source. Click here for a list of important and trusted sites including the World Health Organisation and the Australian Government Department of Health COVID-19 Pages.

How does the virus spread and what are the symptoms?

Human coronaviruses are spread from someone infected with COVID-19 virus to other close contacts with that person through contaminated droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with contaminated hands, surfaces or objects. The time between when a person is exposed to the virus and when symptoms first appear is typically 5 to 6 days, although may range from 2 to 14 days. For this reason, people who might have been in contact with a confirmed case are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days.