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CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

As concerns grow about Coronavirus (COVID-19) we thought it would be good to highlight some facts issued by NSW Health.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. Symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia, fever, flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue, shortness of breath.

Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly.

Covid 19 Graphic Coronavirus (Covid-19)

 

 

 

 

 

DO NOW
Good hygiene can prevent infection.
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow.
• Avoid close contact with others, such as touching and avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

If you are well, you do not need to wear a surgical mask as there is little evidence supporting the widespread use of surgical masks in healthy people to prevent transmission in public.

AT RISK
In Australia, the people most at risk of getting the virus are those who have:
• Recently been in mainland China, Iran, Italy and South Korea.
• If you have been in close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of coronavirus.
• Anyone who has travelled overseas in the past 14 days is at increased risk.
• People with underlying illnesses that make them more vulnerable to respiratory disease, including those with diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney failure, people with suppressed immune systems and older people are at a higher risk of serious disease.

ISOLATE
Most COVID-19 cases appear to be spread from people who have symptoms. A small number of people may have been infectious before their symptoms developed.

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.

STAY AT HOME.
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.

Should you develop a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of overseas travel or are in contact with someone else who has Coronavirus, seek medical attention: call your GPor Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. For more information visit www.health.nsw.gov.au

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