Coronavirus Resources

Coronavirus Resources

Back to Health Hub

What is Coronavirus?

​Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia. Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly. There is evidence that it spreads from person to person. Good hygiene can prevent infection.

Find out more about Coronavirus Health Alerts - https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

Symptoms

Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. People with coronavirus may experience:


  • fever
  • flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue
  • shortness of breath



If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help.

When to get tested

If you develop symptoms within 14 days of last contact with a confirmed case or of returning to Australia, you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will tell you if you need to get tested.



​How to isolate yourself

Do not go to public places, such as work, school, shopping centres, childcare or university. If possible, ask other people to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door.


Only people who usually live with you should be in your home. Do not let in visitors.


You do not need to wear a mask in your home.


If you need to leave home to seek medical attention, wear a surgical mask (if you have one) to protect others.



How to protect yourself and others

Everyone must practise good hygiene to protect against infection and prevent the virus spreading.


  • Infection Prevention
  • Social Distancing


If you have a confirmed case, you need to isolate yourself to prevent it spreading to other people.


To help protect people most at risk follow the Department of Health provide advice on public gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups - https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-public-gatherings-and-visits-to-vulnerable-groups


How it spreads

There is evidence that the virus spreads from person-to-person.


The virus is most likely spread through:


  • close contact with an infectious person
  • contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze
  • touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) that have cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face



Who is at risk

In Australia, the people most at risk of getting the virus are those who have:


  • recently been in mainland China and Iran
  • been in close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of coronavirus
  • Health authorities have confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia. For the latest number, read WHO Coronavirus health alert - 



If you're concerned

Call the Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.


Coronavirus Health Information Line

Call this line if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


1800 020 080

Additional advice

Travellers

The below advice for travellers provides information on airport and in-flight biosecurity measures, travel restrictions and other arrangements that apply.


https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-travellers

Hygiene Practices

Click to download

Blog Post: Coronavirus and how to stay healthy

Click to read more

Find out how Network Nursing Agency can help you

Share by: