COVID-19

This page is dedicated to information about novel Coronavirus COVID-19 to keep residents up to date with information as it arises.

WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus that affects everyone differently.
Symptoms of novel coronavirus are similar to a common cold or flu. People of all ages can be affected by the novel coronavirus. However, elderly people, and people with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease can become very ill.

PROTECTING YOURSELF

Novel coronavirus is usually spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes on another person, or from touching dirty surfaces. To protect yourself practice good hygiene including:

• cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs;
• covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or into your elbow when coughing or sneezing;
• avoiding contact with anyone who has symptoms such as fever, a cough, sore throat, tiredness, and shortness of breath; and
• staying home if you are unwell.
• Click here for more information on how you can protect yourself and those around you from the spread of coronavirus.

WHAT IF I FEEL UNWELL?

Symptoms of coronavirus are similar to a common cold or flu and include temperatures, a cough, sore throat, tiredness and shortness of breath. Anyone with these symptoms who has travelled internationally 14 days prior to illness onset, including airport stopovers, should see a doctor immediately. Before your appointment, please call ahead and advise of your symptoms and recent travel so necessary precautions can be undertaken. People with suspected novel coronavirus will be tested with a simple swab test, and results will be available within days. Remember if you are required to self-quarantine, contact your employer as soon as possible to discuss your leave options.

• Click here for more information on what to do if you think you have the novel coronavirus

SELF-QUARANTINE

If you have been overseas, you will be required to quarantine in a designated place for 14 days from the date you arrived in Australia. If you have been overseas in the last 14 days and are feeling unwell, call your health clinic, hospital or doctor immediately. You must self-quarantine if you have been in close contact with someone who already has novel coronavirus. While you’re self-quarantining, if you start to feel unwell and develop symptoms such as a cough, fever or shortness of breath, call your health clinic, hospital or doctor immediately.

ALWAYS PHONE FIRST!

If you feel unwell and think you may have novel coronavirus, remember to ALWAYS phone your nearest health clinic, hospital or doctor, rather than going in person. Presenting to the health service in person could put staff and other patients at risk of infection if you have coronavirus or another illness.

RESOURCES

Click here to view Queensland Health’s novel coronavirus resources, including posters for your business or home.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Please remember to listen to the advice of authorities and:

• Wash your hands often and properly with soap and water
• Keep 1.5m away from others as much as possible
• Avoid shaking hands, kissing or hugging others