COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) is the effect on the human body of SARS-CoV 2, which is a new virus closely related to SARS and in the same family of viruses as MERS. It has not been detected in humans before. It has caused a global pandemic, can cause serious illness and death and is highly contagious.
Worldwide, there have been over 24,000,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 821,462 deaths reported. That is a roughly 3-4% fatality rate. However, people with disability and the elderly as well as those with chronic health conditions are at greater risk than the rest of the population.
Symptoms
The virus commonly causes fever and may cause coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath. Symptoms take 2-14 days to develop. People with disability, especially those with respiratory and lung conditions and older people are at higher risk of complications and death from contracting COVID-19.
If you have symptoms you should call your doctor or call the Health Direct Health Information Line. Do not present to your doctor's surgery or emergency department without calling ahead so arrangements to isolate you from other patients can be made. You may also be able to be treated by your doctor from home via Telehealth services.
Practice good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes and washing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. You should wear a mask if you have one and avoid public transport and public places. There isn't a known treatment or vaccine for novel coronavirus yet but people are working on it.
More information
ABC RN Coronacast
Coronacast is a daily podcast published by the ABC Radio that helps to answer your questions about coronavirus or COVID-19. It breaks down the latest news and research to help you understand how the world is living through an epidemic.
Listen now
The ABC has further compiled information and resources on their website. Visit ABC Coronavirus Information for more information.
NSW Health
NSW Health has developed a factsheet on the Novel coronavirus 2019 (2019 n-CoV) and Frequently Asked Questions resources, available in English and Simplified Chinese.
Australian Department of Health
Refer to the Australian Department of Health for further alerts and updates.
World Health Organisation
The World Health Organisation has created a website which outlines how to protect yourself, travel advice, situational reports, videoes and other information and resources.
Visit the World Health Organisation - Coronavirus COVID-19
