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COVID-19: Live Update from Sydney Morning Herald

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COVID-19: Live Update from Sydney Morning Herald

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Read the live update about The coronavirus COVID-19 by The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) below to see what you can do to be safer and help keep our community safer, too.

Remember: Be informed but don't panic.
Retrieved 28 March, 2020
Source:
https://www.smh.com.au/national/coronavirus-update-live-boris-johnson-and-uk-health-secretary-diagnosed-with-covid-19-us-infections-surpass-china-italy-20200327-p54eql.html

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If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

We have made our live blog of the coronavirus pandemic free for all readers. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.

Summary

Boris Johnson is the first world leader to become infected with COVID-19. The Prime Minister said he had only mild symptoms and would self isolate while continuing to lead the UK's fight against the disease. The UK's Health Secretary also said had been infected with coronavirus

As of midnight AEST, there are more than 549,00 known infections and more than 24,000 deaths from COVID-19 but more than 127,000 people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally

Australia's death toll stands at 13 with 3166 Australians testing positive to the coronavirus. In NSW there are 1405 cases, Victoria 574, Queensland 555, South Australia 257, Western Australia 255, ACT 62, Tasmania 46 and Northern Territory 12

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said all arrivals to Australia will now be quarantined in hotels in the city they arrive in for 14 days. State and territory governments will foot the bill

Myer will close stores and stand down 10,000 staff from Sunday.

Spain's death toll is on track to reach 5000 after the country recorded another 769 deaths in 24 hours.

The death toll stands at 4858, the second-highest total after Italy's 8214 fatalities. Infections climbed by another 7800 to 64,059.

But Fernando Simon, the head of Spain's health emergency coordination said there were signs the numbers were stabilising.

"It's true that we have more deaths than what we saw yesterday, but it's also true that the percentage increase today is similar to that of the past three days and it appears there is a stabilisation," Simon said.

UK's Health Secretary also diagnosed with COVID-19

And in the last few minutes, Johnson's Health Secretary Matt Hancock has also confirmed he has the virus. Hancock said his symptoms were "very mild."

Hancock was supposed to be leading the government's daily briefing from Number 10 Downing Street.

Instead, "I'll be self-isolating here until next Thursday," Hancock saidfrom his home in a video posted to social media.

While both the PM and Health Secretary say they have only mild symptoms, the two cases that show the virus has struck at the heart of Westminster and Whitehall and specifically the very team coordinating the UK's response.

Expect more cases to emerge at the top levels of the UK government.

Boris Johnson will continue to lead UK's fight against COVID-19

Boris Johnson says he will remain in charge of Britain's fight against COVID-19 despite being infected with the virus himself.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic for Saturday, March 28, 2020.

In a characteristically upbeat video posted on Twitter, the UK Prime Minister said he tested positive after exhibiting "mild symptoms" involving a mild temperature and a cough.

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Coronavirus updates LIVE: Boris Johnson and UK Health Secretary diagnosed with COVID-19, US infections surpass China, Italy

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If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. We have made our live blog of the coronavirus pandemic free for all readers. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.

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A new entry to the English language ;p ;p ;p

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A new entry to the English language ;p ;p ;p

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To reduce your exposure and chances of getting ill with COVID-19.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitiser with at least 60 per cent alcohol.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw soiled tissues in the bin and clean your hands with soap and water or sanitiser. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into a flexed elbow.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces each day.

Stay home if you are sick and don’t expose others. If you are unwell with flu-like symptoms, do not go outside your property or home, do not go to work, school or shops unless it is essential.

Get a flu shot when it becomes available.

Talk with your doctor and pharmacist about getting an emergency supply of any medications being taken regularly by you or your family.

Stop shaking hands, hugging or kissing as a greeting.

Avoid crowds if possible. If not, keep the time short.

Avoid small gatherings in enclosed spaces, for example family celebrations.

Attempt to keep a distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and other people, where possible.

Avoid visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, infants, or people with compromised immune systems due to illness or medical treatment.

Visit shops sparingly, buy food online, consider home delivery and take-aways.

Use debit and credit cards instead of cash and make use of online and self-serve transactions (for example Opal cards on public transport).

Use public transport in off-peak periods if you can.

Re-consider overseas and interstate travel plans.

Source:

https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/social-distancing

Retrieved 23 March, 2020

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Read the live update about The coronavirus COVID-19 by Worldometters here to see what you can do to be safer and help keep our community safer, too.
The coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 192 countries and territories around the world and 1 international conveyance (the Diamond Princess cruise ship harbored in Yokohama, Japan).
The day is reset after midnight GMT+0.
Remember: Be informed but don't panic.
Retrieved 23 March, 2020
Source:
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

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COVID - Coronavirus Statistics - Worldometer

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Daily and weekly updated statistics tracking the number of COVID-19 cases, recovered, and deaths. Historical data with cumulative charts, graphs, and updates.

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COVID-19: Australian Coronavirus current situation and case numbers

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COVID-19: Australian Coronavirus current situation and case numbers

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Read the daily updates about Convid-19 in Australia here to see what you can do to be safer and help keep our community safer, too.
Remember: Be informed but don't panic.
Retrieved 21 March, 2020
Source:
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-current-situation-and-case-numbers

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Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

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COVID-19 case notifications

Over the last week, 5,474 cases of COVID-19 were reported across Australia, an average of 782 cases per day.

COVID-19 cases and 7 day rolling average, 01 Jan 2022 to 29 Sep 2023

Weekly case numbers and change (%)

Source: Jurisdictional reporting as at 4 October 2023. Please note that due to rounding, jurisdiction averages may not sum exactly to national averages. From 30 June 2023, Victoria no longer collects self-reported positive rapid antigen test (RAT) results. From 31 August 2023, Queensland no longer collects self-reported positive RAT results. NSW was not able to provide data from 30/09/2023 to 3/10/2023 due to technical issues.

COVID-19 associated deaths

Factors such as other disease or chronic conditions may also have contributed to or caused deaths associated with COVID-19.

National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) death data may have a delay, particularly for the last two weeks, in confirming death notifications publicly reported by States and Territories; recent data will be subject to revision.

For more information on mortality statistics in Australia, please see Australian Bureau of Statistics - Causes of death.

COVID-19 associated deaths, 01 Jan 2022 to 03 Oct 2023

COVID-19 associated deaths, rolling 7-day average by jurisdiction, 01 Jan 2022 to 03 Oct 2023

Source: National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System as at 04 Oct 2023

COVID-19 vaccinations

To find the latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics, please see the COVID-19 vaccination rollout update.

Approximately 68.8 million total vaccine doses have been administered since the COVID-19 Vaccination program began in February 2021.

Over 26,000 doses have been administered over the last 7 days.

Since 1 January 2023, approximately 4.0 million 2023 Booster Doses have been administered to people aged 18 years and over.

The 2023 Booster program formally commenced on 20 Feb 2023. Note administration of vaccine doses may be impacted by public holidays.

COVID-19 daily booster doses administered by 18+ age group (since 1 January 2023)

Source: Australian Immunisation Register as at 04 Oct 2023

COVID-19 treatments

COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid) and molnupiravir (Lagevrio) are available through the PBS for eligible patients.

Commencing 11 July 2022, the PBS eligibility criteria for COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments Paxlovid and Lagevrio has been expanded.

Please note that individual script counts may not add to the total script count. The weekly numbers relate to the date of supply (dispensing) of the medicine. The state relates to the location of the dispensing pharmacy. Figures may change due to claiming activity by pharmacies.

Updated eligibility for oral COVID-19 treatment is available on the COVID 19 treatment eligibility page.

Total weekly PBS scripts for oral COVID-19 treatment, by jurisdiction

Total weekly PBS scripts for oral COVID-19 treatment, by age groups

Source: PBS; included Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) & Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) patients, for week ending 01 Oct 2023 extracted on 05 Oct 2023

COVID-19 impact on hospitals

The number of hospitalised COVID-19 cases has increased by an average of 4.1% compared to the previous week.

More information about hospital and intensive care for COVID-19 is available on the Health Direct website.

Weekly COVID-19 cases in hospital and ICU and case notifications, Australia, 01 Jan 2022 to 29 Sep 2023

Weekly COVID-19 cases in hospital and ICU and case notifications, by jurisdiction, 01 Jan 2022 to 29 Sep 2023

Source: Jurisdictional reporting, as at 30 Sep 2023. Please note that due to rounding, jurisdiction averages may not sum exactly to national averages.

Only includes NT after 10 January 2022 as NT hospitalised all cases until 10 January 2022. ACT hospital and ICU data was not available between 13 November 2022 and 24 November 2022 and on 3 April 2023. QLD ICU occupancy data was unavailable between 23 December 2022 and 1 January 2023 and hospital and ICU data was not available on 15 August 2023. NSW hospital and ICU occupancy data is only available for weekdays. From 2 March 2023, only public hospitalisations are reported for QLD (total hospitalisations, and ICU data reported from separate systems). From 17 March 2023, South Australia data pertaining to hospitalisations may no longer include all COVID-19 cases confirmed by Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), hospitalisation data will continue to include cases admitted in public hospitals who have laboratory confirmed COVID-19 tests (PCR positive), variables of ICU admission and ventilation are no longer able to be reported. NSW weekly hospital numbers are a three-day average for the period 27/09/2023 to 29/09/2023 due to technical issues.

Daily COVID-19 invasive ventilations as a proportion of all ventilations, Australia, 01 Jan 2022 to 04 Oct 2023

Source: Critical Health Resources Information System (CHRIS), as at 04 Oct 2023

COVID-19 impact on residential aged care homes

Daily COVID-19 active outbreaks in aged care homes, 01 Jan 2022 to 04 Oct 2023

Resident cases in aged care homes, 01 Jan 2022 to 04 Oct 2023

Staff cases in aged care homes, 01 Jan 2022 to 04 Oct 2023

Source: My Aged Care Provider Portal, as at 05 Oct 2023

COVID-19 deaths among people on NDIS and Disability Support Pension

This table shows the number of COVID-19 associated deaths registered in Australia for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants and Disability Support Pension (DSP) recipients since March 2020.

'COVID-19 associated deaths' are the total deaths both due to COVID-19 and with COVID-19.

Source: The Department of Health and Aged Care's COVID-19 linked research environment in the Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (Provisional Mortality data linked to NDIS and DSP programs).

Disability groups

Participant deaths to 31 August 2023

People on NDIS (including those receiving DSP)

439

DSP-only recipients

833

Note: Data may be incomplete due to a lag in death registrations.

NDIS population as at 30 June 2023.
DSP population as at 30 June 2023.
Data is confidentialised to protect the privacy of individuals.

This series of reporting based on data matched with the MADIP dataset commenced 1 June 2023, replacing previous reporting which set out COVID cases and deaths among NDIS recipients reported to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

COVID-19 epidemiology reports

For access to the epidemiological reports, published in CDI, on the incidence, severity, and distribution of coronavirus disease, see the COVID-19 epidemiology reports, Australia, 2020-2022.

State and territory reporting

For more information please contact the relevant jurisdiction's health department. You can also request data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). Requests for NNDSS data may require agreement from states and territories.

Technical notes

From 7 October 2022, there is a change in series to update the COVID-19 vaccination reporting to better reflect current circumstances providing a more accurate and up to date representation of the level of protection in the population. Changes include:

Updated population denominator used for general coverage to the latest release of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Estimated Residential Population (2021)

Removed from all coverage calculations individuals who are no longer in scope for the vaccination rollout (i.e. deceased or permanently left Australia)

Included doses that may have been administered internationally where the vaccine brand is recognised by the TGA and recorded into the Australian Immunisation Register.

Please note that due to rounding, jurisdiction averages may not sum exactly to national averages.

The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) is a dynamic system, where data are subject to retrospective revisions as updates are received, particularly for recent weeks. Data may vary from data reported in published NNDSS reports and reports of notification data by states and territories.

The NNDSS data on COVID-19 associated deaths relate to date of death of an individual.

The 2023 COVID-19 Booster program formally commenced on 20 February 2023, in accordance with latest policy advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). The COVID-19 2023 Booster doses is a count of the number of vaccine doses administered to individuals aged 18 years and over who have received their third or higher dose in sequence in 2023.

Australian COVID-19 Aged Care Incident Response System (AUS CAIRS) data is sourced via case managers through facility self-reporting into the My Aged Care Portal. Data presented on this page is the number of positive cases associated with current outbreaks and may differ from historical reports due to lags in uploading to the system. Non-residential establishments such as Multipurpose Services and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care are included in active outbreak data.

Invasive ventilation data is sourced from the Critical Health Resources Information System (CHRIS). Hospitals can submit multiple entries every day. Daily aggregations use the maximum entry for each hospital after removing outliers. Data from CHRIS is subject to retrospective revision and may vary from data reported in published NNDSS reports and reports of notification data by states and territories.

Estimated Resident Population (ERP) is based on Australian Bureau of Statistics Estimated Resident Population 2021. ERP is the official measure of the population of Australia, based on their usual residence. It refers to all people, regardless of nationality, citizenship or legal status, who usually live in Australia, with the exception of foreign diplomatic personnel and their families. The ERP includes usual residents who are overseas for less than 12 months and excludes overseas visitors who are in Australia for less than 12 months.

Cumulative count of COVID-19 associated deaths includes all individuals registered on the NDIS and/or DSP at the time of their death (or who exited within 4 weeks prior to death).

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This page provides updates on national COVID-19 case numbers, vaccinations and trends.

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Read the daily updates about Convid-19 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) here to see what you can do to be safer and help keep our community safer, too.
Remember: Be informed but don't panic.
Retrieved 21 March, 2020
Source:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports

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The Weekly Epidemiological Update provides an overview of the global, regional and country-level COVID-19 cases and deaths, highlighting key data and trends; as well as other pertinent epidemiological information concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Weekly Operational Update reports on WHO and partners' actions in response to the pandemic.

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates August 2021

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates July 2021

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates June 2021

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates May 2021

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates April 2021

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates March 2021

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates February 2021

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates January 2021

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates December 2020

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates November 2020

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates October 2020

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates September 2020

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates August 2020

Situation reports February 2020

Situation reports January 2020

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Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Situation Reports

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The Weekly Epidemiological Update provides an overview of the global, regional and country-level COVID-19 cases and deaths, highlighting key data and trends; as well as other pertinent epidemiological information concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Weekly Operational Update reports on WHO and partners' actions in response to the pandemic.

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COVID-19: New Social Distancing rules in Australia

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COVID-19: New Social Distancing rules in Australia

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The Government has ramped up the social distancing rules all Australians should now stick to in an attempt to quell the spread of coronavirus.

While indoor gatherings of fewer than 100 people are still allowed, the new guidelines say there needs to be at least four square metres available for every person in the area.
Remember: Be informed but don't panic.
Source:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-20/coronavirus-covid-19-scott-morrison-enhanced-social-distancing/12075532
Retrieved 20 March, 2020

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Updated March 20, 2020 16:51:31

The Government has ramped up the social distancing rules all Australians should now stick to in an attempt to quell the spread of coronavirus.

While indoor gatherings of fewer than 100 people are still allowed, the new guidelines say there needs to be at least four square metres available for every person in the area.

Here's what that will mean for you and for your local bars and restaurants.

What did Scott Morrison actually say?

These were the Prime Minister's exact words when announcing the new measures earlier today:

"Earlier, I announced the 100-person limit on non-essential indoor gatherings, and I went through the list of those things that were essential. I won't do that again today. It is the same list.

"But what we are now moving to is an arrangement for gatherings of less than 100, is that there would be 4 square metres provided per person in an enclosed space, in a room. So that's 2 metres by 2 metres.

"So for example, if you've got a room, if you've got a premises, if you've got a meeting room or something like that, that is 100 square metres, then you can have 25 people in that room.

"Now, in addition to that, you should continue to practise wherever possible the 1 metre or 1.5 metres of healthy distance between each of us, to ensure that we are limiting the contact and limiting the potential for the spread of the virus."

What does that mean for me?

It means that if you are looking at hosting or attending an event in an indoor space, you need to be very conscious of how big that space is.

As Mr Morrison said, if your indoor space is 100 metres square, for example 10 metres by 10 metres, you can only have 25 people in it. If your space is 400 metres square, you can have 100 people in it.

The rule banning non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 or more people remains in place.

Does this mean I need to stay further away from people?

No, these new guidelines do not seem to alter the day-to-day social distancing guidelines that have been in place for a while now.

You should still be trying to keep 1.5 metres away from people at all times, and avoiding any handshakes or physical contact with people outside your family.

Outdoor gatherings of 500 or more people are still banned.

What constitutes an indoor gathering?

The Government has classified an indoor gathering as something that "takes place within a single enclosed area (a single room or area)".

But there are places where the restrictions do not apply.

They are:

The Government has specified that the "fewer than 100 people" and new spacing limit rules do apply in these places and situations:

Cinemas and theatres

Restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs

Weddings

Funerals

When will these updated rules be put in place?

Immediately, it seems.

Mr Morrison was a little vague on this, but given he did not state a starting time for the rules - which he has clearly done for all other measures that have been announced in advance - it is fair to assume the rules are in place from now.

We hope to be able to provide more clarity soon.

Topics: infectious-diseases-other, respiratory-diseases

First posted March 20, 2020 16:45:36

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New social distancing rules have been put in place. Here's what you need to know

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Updated March 20, 2020 16:51:31 The Government has ramped up the social distancing rules all Australians should now stick to in an attempt to quell the spread of coronavirus. While indoor gatherings of fewer than 100 people are still allowed, the new guidelines say there needs to be at least four square metres available for every person in the area.

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COVID-19: A Covid-19 song that is going viral

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COVID-19: A Covid-19 song that is going viral

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A popular and catchy song that is written to advise people not to rub their eyes and mouths, limit going to crowded places and stay clean. It promises to make you laugh and feel better ;p
Original song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=41&v=BtulL3oArQw&feature=emb_logo
Funny Hand-washing dance video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctF5aMV05kM

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Ghen Cô Vy| NIOEH x K.HƯNG x MIN x ERIK | WASHING HAND SONG | CORONA SONG

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What is social distancing?

Social distancing is an effective measure, but it is recognised that it cannot be practised in all situations and the aim is to generally reduce potential for transmission. Social distancing includes:

avoiding crowds and mass gatherings where it is difficult to keep the appropriate distance away from others

avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces, for example family celebrations

attempting to keep a distance of 1.5 metres between themselves and other people where possible, for example when they are out and about in public place.

avoiding shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people

avoiding visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, infants, or people with compromised immune systems due to illness or medical treatment.

What are the symptoms?

Patients may have fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath and other symptoms.

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress.

Should I be bulk-buying items to prepare?

There is no need to bulk-buy products at supermarkets including toilet paper, paracetamol and canned food.

Retrieved 17 March, 2020
Read more on:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx

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On this page

1. Pandemic

1. What is a pandemic?

2. What causes pandemics?

3. What does it mean that the WHO has declared a pandemic?

4. Why do pandemics occur? How serious will the impact be?

2. About COVID-19

1. What are coronaviruses?

2. What is the COVID-19 virus?

3. How is the virus spread?

4. How long does COVID-19 last on surfaces?

5. What are the symptoms?

6. What is the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?

7. I have travelled to another country. What should I do?

8. Should I avoid attending public events, for example, religious celebrations, music festivals or sporting matches?

9. How long does the COVID-19 infection last?

10. What if I don't have Medicare?

11. How is COVID-19 diagnosed?

12. What should I do if I come into contact with a person with COVID-19?

13. What should I do if I come into contact with a person who has been identified as a contact?

14. Who is at risk?

15. How is it prevented?

16. Is there a cure or vaccine?

17. Has my doctor been informed?

18. What if I am unable to speak to my doctor?

19. How do I get tested for COVID-19?

20. How are other coronaviruses tested?

21. Are people in NSW at risk?

22. What arrangements are in place for checking people at airports?

23. What arrangements are in place for checking people who arrive at sea ports?

24. Australians on cruise ships

25. What is the public health response to COVID-19?

3. Protecting against COVID-19

1. How can I protect myself / my family?

2. Do face masks protect against COVID-19? Which face masks?

3. Are there enough face masks in NSW?

4. How is hospital equipment and furniture being cleaned to protect against COVID-19?

5. Is it safe for me to go to a hospital where a COVID-19 case is?

6. How do we know the people who have had COVID-19 are no longer infectious?

4. Work, university, school and travel arrangements

1. I have a holiday / work trip. Should I cancel my trip?

2. Can my child attend school?

3. Can my child visit aged care facilities?

4. Do I need a medical certificate clearing me for work, school, university or other settings?

5. Do I need to isolate myself if I have returned from holiday?

6. If I am worried about having COVID-19, can I ask to get tested?

7. My work is saying that I need to get tested for COVID-19 as I have travelled recently- what should I do?

5. Home isolation

1. Do I need to be separate from other people in my home if I am isolating?

2. Someone in my household recently returned from overseas and is self-isolating. I did not travel or have contact with anyone infected with COVID-19. Do I need to self-isolate too?

3. How can I access groceries and medicines while in home isolation?

4. When someone has finished 14 days isolation, do they need to see their GP?

5. Are you worried that you or someone you know may have or has COVID-19; or are anxious about being in isolation and would you like to speak to someone about it?

6. Social distancing

1. What is social distancing?

2. Who should practice social distancing?

3. Is it safe for me to go to the gym?

7. Bulk-buying
Should I be bulk-buying items to prepare?

8. Pets and animals

1. Can pets be infected with COVID-19?

2. Can I be infected with COVID-19 from Australian bats?

9. Where can I find more information?

Pandemic

What is a pandemic?

A pandemic is an epidemic (infectious disease outbreak) that spreads on a global scale. Pandemics usually occur when a new infectious disease emerges that can spread rapidly around the world.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic on 11 March 2020. This COVID-19 pandemic is the first caused by a coronavirus. ( WHO)

What causes pandemics?

A pandemic can occur when a new virus emerges and there is worldwide spread of the disease. Most people do not have immunity to a new virus. Viruses that have caused past pandemics usually come from animal viruses that have mutated to affect humans.

For a new virus to have pandemic potential it must meet three criteria:

humans have little or no pre-existing immunity against the virus

the virus causes disease in humans

the virus can spread efficiently from person to person.

Previous pandemics include Spanish Influenza in 1918 or H1N1 Swine Flu in 2009. Only Type A influenza viruses have been known to cause influenza pandemics. This COVID-19 pandemic is the first caused by a coronavirus.

What does it mean that the WHO has declared a pandemic?

On 11 March WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The WHO used this declaration to call for urgent and aggressive action. They noted that this is a pandemic that can be controlled. Both China and the Republic of Korea have significantly declining outbreaks.

On 30 January, the WHO declared that COVID-19 was a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. In the last two weeks, the number of cases of COVID-19 has increased substantially and the number of affected countries has tripled ( WHO).

Why do pandemics occur? How serious will the impact be?

The health impact of a pandemic on the community depends on how easily the virus can be spread between people (i.e. transmissibility) and the seriousness of the illness it causes (i.e. clinical severity). Healthcare systems can limit the impact on a community by slowing the spread of the infection between people and increasing the ability of the healthcare system to look after people who do get sick. NSW Health is putting a lot of effort into doing both of these things.

About COVID-19

What are coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause illness in humans and others cause illness in animals, such as bats, camels, and civets. Human coronaviruses generally cause mild illness, such as the common cold.

Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve to infect and spread among humans, causing severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which emerged in 2002, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) which emerged in 2012.

What is the COVID-19 virus?

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. It was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, where it has caused a large and ongoing outbreak. It has since spread more widely in China. Cases have since been identified in several other countries. The COVID-19 virus is closely related to a bat coronavirus.

There is much more to learn about how COVID-19 is spread, its severity, and other features associated with the virus; epidemiological and clinical investigations are ongoing.

Outbreaks of new coronavirus infections among people are always a public health concern. The situation is evolving rapidly.

How is the virus spread?

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.

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.

How long does COVID-19 last on surfaces?

According to the World Health Organization, it is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).

If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with a common household disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

What are the symptoms?

Patients may have fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath and other symptoms.

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress.

What is the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?

The first symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza (flu) infections are often very similar. They both cause fever and similar respiratory symptoms, which can then range from mild through to severe disease, and sometimes can be fatal.

Both viruses are also transmitted in the same way, by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with hands, surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus. As a result, the same public health measures, such as hand hygiene (hand washing), good respiratory etiquette (coughing into your elbow or into a tissue and immediately disposing of the tissue) and good household cleaning are important actions to prevent both infections.

The speed of transmission is an important difference between the two viruses. Influenza typically has a shorter incubation period (the time from infection to appearance of symptoms) than COVID-19. This means that influenza can spread faster than COVID-19.

While the range of symptoms for the two viruses is similar, the fraction with severe disease appears to be higher for COVID-19. While most people have mild symptoms, approximately 15% of people have severe infections and 5% require intensive care in a hospital ICU. The proportions of severe and critical COVID-19 infections are higher than for influenza infections.

I have travelled to another country. What should I do?

If you have been overseas in the last 14 days, you should:

self isolate yourself from others for 14 days from the day you returned or arrived from overseas
and

monitor yourself for symptoms

If you develop a fever or respiratory symptoms, please:

call your doctor or healthdirect on 1800 022 222. When you call, tell them where you have travelled or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case.
or (if your symptoms are severe)

visit your local Emergency Department. When you arrive, immediately tell staff where you have travelled or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case.

If you have symptoms it is important that don't go to work, school/university/childcare, the gym, or public areas, and you should not use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services. If you need to seek medical care wear a surgical mask if available when attending. You should not use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services to get to your doctor or emergency department.

Should I avoid attending public events, for example, religious celebrations, music festivals or sporting matches?

On 15 March 2020, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard made an Order under Section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010 to force the immediate cancellation of major events with more than 500 people. This includes events such as concerts, sporting fixtures with large crowds, exhibitions and religious celebrations.

Individuals who fail to comply could face up to six months in prison or a fine of up to $11,000 or both, plus additional penalties for each day the offence continues. Corporations face even harsher fines.

Critical workforce, such as healthcare professionals and emergency services workers, are also recommended to limit their attendance at non-essential meetings or conferences.

The advice on mass gatherings does not apply to attendance at schools, universities or child care centres. While all Australians are encouraged to exercise personal responsibility for social distancing, there are no current restrictions recommended on attending other settings, such as shopping centres, or using public transport.

For non-essential organised gatherings with fewer than 500 attendees, NSW Health recommends that organisers:

remind attendees and staff not to attend if they are feeling unwell

remind attendees and staff they must not attend if they have travelled overseas in the past 14 days

ensure emergency management plans are up to date

brief staff on how to practice good hygiene and making it easy for staff and attendees to practice good hygiene

have adequate hand washing facilities available

NSW Health also encourages people considering attending these gatherings to:

stay home and not attend if you are feeling unwell

stay home and not attend if you have travelled overseas in the past 14 days

practice good personal hygiene including:

cleaning your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub

covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow.

How long does the COVID-19 infection last?

The infection period for the virus will vary from person to person. Mild symptoms in an otherwise healthy individual may resolve over just a few days. Similar to influenza, for an individual with other ongoing health issues, such as a respiratory condition, recovery may take weeks and in severe cases could be potentially fatal.

What if I don't have Medicare?

Most people that are not eligible for Medicare will have health or travel insurance. For those that do not have adequate insurance coverage, NSW Health will waive these costs. This includes the waiving of payment and debt recovery procedures for ambulance transfers of people suspected to have COVID-19 infection, who are taken to NSW Health facilities for assessment.

These arrangements have been put in place to ensure payment issues are not a barrier for people from overseas with respiratory symptoms seeking early medical advice.

How is COVID-19 diagnosed?

Infection with COVID-19 is diagnosed by finding evidence of the virus in respiratory samples such as swabs from the back of the nose and throat or fluid from the lungs. Samples for testing can be taken directly by GPs or at a range of private pathology sites across the state that are suitable for collection of COVID-19, or at public hospitals across NSW.

What should I do if I come into contact with a person with COVID-19?

If you have been identified as a contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 infection in Australia, the local public health unit will contact you with advice. You need to isolate yourself at home for 14 days after contact with the infected person, and to monitor your health and report any symptoms.

Person to person spread of coronaviruses generally occurs between people who are close contacts with one another. A close contact is typically someone who has been face to face for at least 15 minutes, or been in the same closed space for at least 2 hours, with a person that was infectious. The public health unit will keep in touch with people who are close contacts of patients with COVID-19 infection. If any symptoms develop contacts must call the public health unit to report those symptoms.

If your contact with the person was less than this, there is a much smaller risk of you being infected. However, as a precaution you must still monitor your health until 14 days after you were last exposed to the infectious person. If you develop symptoms including a fever and/or respiratory signs, please call ahead to talk to a doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. Tell your doctor that you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19. The doctor may tell you to attend your nearest emergency department - if so when you arrive, immediately tell staff you have had contact with someone with COVID-19.

More information about home isolation is available for:

Practice simple hygiene by:

making sure to clean your hands thoroughly 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.

What should I do if I come into contact with a person who has been identified as a contact?

If you have been in contact with a person identified as a close contact of another person with confirmed COVID-19 infection, you do not need to self-isolate (although the close contact does) and don't need take any other special precautions.

If a close contact develops symptoms and is confirmed as a COVID-19 case, public health authorities will determine who, if anyone, has been in close contact with them while they were infectious, and these people will be directed to self-isolate.

Who is at risk?

People who have:

been in contact with a person with COVID-19

been overseas in the previous 14 days

As there is increasing community transmission in a number of countries around the world, 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.

How is it prevented?

Clean your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based hand rub.

Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow

Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

Practice cough etiquette (keep away from other people, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and clean your hands.

Travellers to Asia should not visit live bird and animal markets, including 'wet' markets.

Is there a cure or vaccine?

There are no vaccines that protect against COVID-19.

There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Early diagnosis and general supportive care are important. Most of the time, symptoms will resolve on their own. People who have serious disease with complications can be cared for in hospital.

Has my doctor been informed?

Health workers in NSW public hospital emergency departments as well as community-based general practitioners are aware of the symptoms and actions to take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through careful infection control measures.

What if I am unable to speak to my doctor?

If you are after medical advice and your general practitioner is not able to speak with you, you can call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. They will be able to discuss your symptoms and travel history with you, to help decide if COVID-19 testing is recommended.

How do I get tested for COVID-19?

NSW Health is recommending people with acute, cold, flu-like symptoms who are returned travellers, or a contact of a confirmed case, be tested for COVID-19.

Samples for testing can be taken directly by GPs or at a range of private pathology sites across the state that are suitable for collection of COVID-19, or at public hospitals across NSW.

COVID-19/Flu clinics are being established within all Local Health Districts across NSW to assess and diagnose patients with possible COVID-19 infections and other respiratory illness such as influenza as we approach the winter season.

NSW Health is also expanding the laboratory capacity across public hospitals and private laboratories to scale up the analytical testing to determine the results of those tests.

Currently, NSW Health laboratories have capacity to perform more than 1,000 tests a day at three public hospitals at Randwick, Westmead, and Liverpool, and they will soon be joined by four more hospitals: Royal North Shore, Royal Prince Alfred, John Hunter, and Nepean.

NSW Health has already engaged private pathology laboratories to assist in the collection of samples from people who require COVID-19 testing.

Testing is recommended for all returning overseas travellers who develop symptoms within 14 days of return, contacts of cases who develop symptoms, people admitted to hospital with severe respiratory infection irrespective of travel history, other special circumstances such as where there is an outbreak of respiratory infections without an identified cause such as flu.

This testing can take up to two days to complete and report back.

How are other coronaviruses tested?

COVID-19 is one kind of coronavirus, but there are other kinds of coronaviruses that have infected people for many years around the world, including in Australia. If you are sick with a respiratory infection (for example you have a cough, runny nose, sore throat or fever), the doctor may order a swab from the back of your nose or throat for testing. Many laboratories will test the swab for several different viruses. This test is called a multiplex viral respiratory panel, which often include tests for these other coronaviruses. These tests currently do not test for COVID-19 and do not indicate whether it is present or absent.

Are people in NSW at risk?

COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, where it has caused a large and ongoing outbreak. It has since spread more widely in many other countries.

NSW Health has developed and exercised a range of procedures for case finding, diagnosis, and contact tracing for high consequence infectious diseases (such as pandemic influenza, SARS, MERS, and emerging infections) should they occur in NSW. These procedures are being used to identify contacts of any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in NSW.

What arrangements are in place for checking people at airports?

The Australian Government has put in place protective measures at all international ports. For the most recent advice from the Australian Government, please visit Department of Health -Coronavirus (COVID-19).

What arrangements are in place for checking people who arrive at sea ports?

For each cruise ship arriving into NSW from overseas, a NSW Health expert panel conducts a risk assessment based on the ports visited, whether passengers and crew have a risk of exposure to COVID-19, whether the ship's doctor has identified a respiratory outbreak on board, and the results of test results done on board the ship.

Following this risk assessment, further assessment may be done when the ship docks, including checking people with fever and respiratory symptoms or who have risk of exposure to COVID-19, and testing them for respiratory infections, including COVID-19. As there is an incubation period (before symptoms develop and tests are positive) for all infections including COVID-19, screening people for disease is not a failsafe, and is only one piece of the assessment.

Cruise ships have large number of passengers (often thousands), many of whom are older and have chronic medical conditions. Respiratory infections (unrelated to COVID-19) among passengers and crew are common on cruise ships. Cruise ships are responsible for, and have policies to prevent and manage outbreaks of disease on board.

Australians on cruise ships

An outbreak of COVID-19 occurred on the Diamond Princess cruise ship which was docked in Japan. Although initial reports indicated that a person on the Westerdam ship in Cambodia had been infected, the infection has not been confirmed.

If you are concerned about someone on one of the Diamond Princess, please call the DFAT consular emergency line.

For more information see the Australian Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19).

What is the public health response to COVID-19?

Infection with COVID-19 is a notifiable condition under the NSW Public Health Act 2010, so doctors and pathology laboratories are required to notify NSW Health of all people suspected or confirmed to have the infection.

Public health unit staff will investigate all cases to find out how the infection occurred, identify other people at risk of infection, implement control measures and provide other advice.

Protecting against COVID-19

How can I protect myself / my family?

The best way to protect yourself is the same as you would against any respiratory infection. Practice good hygiene by:

making sure to clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub

cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow

avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

Make sure you stay home if you are sick.

Do face masks protect against COVID-19? Which face masks?

Face masks are not recommended for the general population.

People who have symptoms and might be infected with COVID-19 are required to stay in isolation at home and should wear a surgical face mask when in the same room as another person and when seeking medical advice to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to anyone else.

Health care workers who are caring for patients with suspected COVID-19 should use appropriate personal protective equipment to protect themselves against COVID-19. For more information refer to Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) - Coronavirus COVID-19.

Are there enough face masks in NSW?

Additional supplies of face masks have been distributed for specific health workers by NSW Health and the Australian Government to meet current demand. NSW Health will continue to monitor supplies of face masks in NSW.

How is hospital equipment and furniture being cleaned to protect against COVID-19?

Hospitals ensure surfaces are cleaned and disinfected after each suspected case, as are ambulances. There is an Infection Prevention and Control Practice Handbook that outlines the appropriate steps for cleaning a room to ensure there are no viruses remaining. Staff also wear protective gear when cleaning to protect themselves and limit any spread of infection.

Is it safe for me to go to a hospital where a COVID-19 case is?

NSW Health works with its hospitals to maintain high infection control standards. NSW hospitals and clinicians are well trained in caring for people with infectious diseases, and in preventing their transmission to other patients.

How do we know the people who have had COVID-19 are no longer infectious?

People with confirmed COVID-19 infection stay in isolation under the care of medical specialists until they are no longer experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Before they are released from isolation, they have tests to see if they still have COVID-19 and the specialist care team assesses they are no longer infectious. Once they are discharged they have a follow up assessment by the medical team to make sure they remain well.

Work, university, school and travel arrangements

I have a holiday / work trip. Should I cancel my trip?

The Australian Government provides up-to-date information and advice for safe travel overseas. If you are heading overseas to destinations which may have been affected, check the advice on Smart Traveller.

Can my child attend school?

Any student or staff member who over the last 14 days has been overseas should be in self-isolation for 14 days after they returned. They are excluded from school and should not return to school or child care services for a period of 14 days after arriving, as the COVID-19 incubation period can be as long as two weeks.

Staff and students who have been identified as close contacts of a person diagnosed with COVID-19 during their infectious period must also self-isolate at home, and should not attend school or childcare settings until 14 days after their last contact with the infected person.

Can my child visit aged care facilities?

As children can spread a range of respiratory infections, such as influenza and RSV, with only mild symptoms, we recommend that aged care facilities do not have groups of children attend the facilities as we grapple with an early influenza season and potentially increasing spread of COVID-19.

Anyone who is sick, including children and even with minimal symptoms, should defer their visit until they are well.

Do I need a medical certificate clearing me for work, school, university or other settings?

No. If you do not have any symptoms there is no testing that can be done to predict whether or not you will become unwell. It is not possible to issue a 'medical clearance certificate'.

Once 14 days have passed since you returned from overseas, you have passed the time in which you would become sick if you were exposed to COVID-19. If you are still completely well 14 days after you arrived then you will not get COVID-19 from your time overseas, and you can cease self-isolation and return to work, school and university.

Do I need to isolate myself if I have returned from holiday?

If you have been overseas in the last 14 days (including transit), you should stay at home and isolate yourself for 14 days after you returned. You should watch out for symptoms.

If you develop a fever, a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of travel, you should:

Call your doctor or healthdirect on 1800 022 222. When you call, tell them where you have travelled or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case.
or (if your symptoms are severe)

visit your local Emergency Department. When you arrive, immediately tell staff where you have travelled or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case.

It is important if you have symptoms you should not go to work, school/university/childcare, the gym, or public areas, and you should not use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services. If you need to seek medical care wear a surgical mask if available when attending.

If I am worried about having COVID-19, can I ask to get tested?

If you develop fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath and other symptoms and have travelled overseas in the 14 days before developing symptoms, you should see your GP or visit your local Emergency Department to be tested for COVID-19. If you are visiting your GP, please call ahead before seeing your doctor and and tell them where you have travelled.

If you are become unwell with these symptoms without travel you should see your local GP and discuss your symptoms. There are other illnesses such as influenza that your GP may wish to test you for that can cause your symptoms.

My work is saying that I need to get tested for COVID-19 as I have travelled recently - what should I do?

There is no need for you to be tested unless you develop fever, cough, runny nose, and shortness of breath or other symptoms and have travelled overseas in the 14 days before developing symptoms. You should see your GP or visit your local Emergency Department to be tested for COVID-19. If you are visiting your GP, please call ahead beforehand and tell them where you have travelled. You should self-isolate and exclude yourself from work until your test result is available.

If you are become unwell with these symptoms without travel you should see your local GP and discuss your symptoms. There are other illnesses such as influenza that your GP may wish to test you for that can cause your symptoms.

Home isolation

Do I need to be separate from other people in my home if I am isolating?

Yes. If you are sharing your home with others, you should stay in a different room from other people or be separated as much as possible. Wear a surgical mask when you are in the same room as another person, and when seeking medical care. Use a separate bathroom, if available.

Make sure that you do not share a room with people who are at risk of severe disease, such as elderly people and those who have heart, lung or kidney conditions, and diabetes.

Visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home should not visit while you are isolating.

More information about home isolation is available for:

Someone in my household recently returned from overseas or has been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case and is self-isolating. Do I need to self-isolate too?

Other members of the household are not required to be isolated unless they have also:

been overseas in the last 14 days

been a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case.

Make sure you maintain a safe distance from that person at all times but support them as much as possible to maintain their self-isolation.

How can I access groceries and medicines while in home isolation?

If you need groceries or medicines (including prescription medicines), ask a family member or friend (who is not in isolation) to deliver them to your home or shop for groceries online. To prevent infecting other people, make sure you wear a mask when receiving a delivery or have the groceries left at your door.

When someone has finished 14 days isolation, do they need to see their GP?

If you are well at the end of 14 days self-isolation, you can resume your normal lifestyle.

Are you worried that you or someone you know may have or has COVID-19; or are anxious about being in isolation and would you like to speak to someone about it?

Contact one of the services below for support or talk to your general practitioner.

Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 or Lifeline Australia
A crisis support service that provides short term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe.

Kids Helpline: 1800 551800 or Kids Helpline
A free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years.

NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
Mental health crisis telephone service in NSW.

Social distancing

What is social distancing?

Social distancing is an effective measure, but it is recognised that it cannot be practised in all situations and the aim is to generally reduce potential for transmission.

While practising social distancing, people can travel to work (including public transport). For non-essential activities outside the workplace or attendance at schools, universities and childcare - social distancing includes:

avoiding crowds and mass gatherings where it is difficult to keep the appropriate distance away from others

avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces, for example family celebrations

attempting to keep a distance of 1.5 metres between themselves and other people where possible, for example when they are out and about in public place.

avoiding shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people

avoiding visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, infants, or people with compromised immune systems due to illness or medical treatment.

For more information about social distancing, refer to COVID-19 - Advice for the NSW community.

Who should practice social distancing?

Everyone should practice social distancing, as it reduces the potential for transmission.

For more information about social distancing, refer to COVID-19 - Advice for the NSW community.

Is it safe for me to go to the gym?

Keeping fit remains important. If you are well and have not been asked to self-isolate then you can go to the gym. Don't go to the gym if you are unwell.

Try to go to the gym when it's less crowded. When at the gym, you should use wipes provided before you use each piece of equipment. Gym classes are currently OK, but this advice may change.

Gyms should ensure that they are cleaning regularly, using appropriate disinfectant.

Bulk-buying

Should I be bulk-buying items to prepare?

There is no need to bulk-buy products at supermarkets including toilet paper, paracetamol and canned food.

It is prudent for households to have a small stock of non-perishable groceries to cover the event that in the coming months the household has been asked to self-isolate for 14 days. However, it's important to note the role of family and friends in supporting those in isolation and also to note that online grocery delivery services are now available in most areas of NSW.

Pets and animals

Can pets be infected with COVID-19?

While COVID-19 seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now mainly spreading from person-to-person. There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in Australia might be a source of infection with this new virus. There have been no reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19 in Australia.

There is also no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it's always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals.

Can I be infected with COVID-19 from Australian bats?

At this stage, there is no evidence that bats (or any other animals) carry the COVID-19 virus in Australia. However, Australian bats can carry other serious infections, such as Australian bat lyssavirus and Hendra virus so they are best avoided. You should also avoid bats overseas.

Where can I find more information?

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Pandemic What is a pandemic? What causes pandemics? What does it mean that the WHO has declared a pandemic? Why do pandemics occur? How serious will the impact be? About COVID-19 What are coronaviruses? What is the COVID-19 virus? How is the virus spread? How long does COVID-19 last on surfaces?

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Retrieved 17 March, 2020
Source: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Documents/covid-19-self-isolation-guidelines.pdf

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Retrieved 17 March, 2020
New South Wales

Under the NSW Public Health Act, anyone who enters Australia from another country will be subject to a 14-day self-isolation quarantine, with fines of up to $11,000 or six months’ prison if they do not comply.
Source:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/17/how-australia-will-enforce-coronavirus-self-isolation-rules-for-overseas-arrivals

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In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Australia has introduced mandatory 14-day self-isolation for people arriving from overseas. But how will this be enforced?

New South Wales

Under the NSW Public Health Act, anyone who enters Australia from another country will be subject to a 14-day self-isolation quarantine, with fines of up to $11,000 or six months' prison if they do not comply.

"Obviously the NSW government - indeed all governments around the country - are not wanting to impose penalties on people," health minister Brad Hazzard said. "What we're looking for is cooperation."

The order banning mass gatherings of more than 500 people to stem the spread of coronavirus has also been made under the Public Health Act, with fines of up to $55,000 for corporations who breach that ban and $27,500 for each additional day the event continues.
Coronavirus: people not complying with new Australian self-isolation rules could face fines
The order explicitly excludes gatherings including the ordinary operation of a school, university, Tafe and educational college; the ordinary conduct of a court; public transport; and employees attending a workplace. It will remain in place until 14 June.

Victoria

The Victorian government enacted a four-week state of emergency under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, extending from 12pm Monday to midnight 13 April unless extended.

The state of emergency declaration gives authorised officers, such as police, at the direction of the chief health officer, the power to detain people, restrict movement, prevent entry to premises or provide "any other direction an [authorised officer] considers reasonable to protect public health".

Under the directive signed by the chief health officer, it is an offence for a person arriving from overseas to fail to go into self-isolation for 14 days. People must not leave the premises where they are self-isolating except for the purpose of obtaining medical care or supplies; in any other emergency situation; or in circumstances where it is possible to avoid close contact with other persons. They also cannot allow visitors into their home.

The penalty for failing to comply is a fine of almost $20,000 for individuals and $100,000 for companies.

"We don't anticipate having to be fining people," Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said on Monday. "To this point people have been cooperative."

Flight attendants and citizens or permanent residents of a Pacific Island are exempt.

The same directive bans mass gatherings of more than 500 people, exempting schools, airports, public transport, markets, workplaces, courts, prisons and youth justice facilities, parliament and public places where people are moving through, such as Bourke Street Mall and Federation Square.

Andrews said the powers could be extended to include the lockdown of whole suburbs.

Queensland

People arriving in Queensland from overseas will be issued with a notice requesting them to voluntarily self-isolate for 14 days. If they breach that notice, the Queensland government says it will "initially work closely with the person to ensure they not only understand their obligations, but also the importance and seriousness of self-quarantine under the current global circumstances".

If that fails, the notice is enforceable under the Public Health Act 2005 with fines of up to $13,345.

Queensland has been in a state of emergency since late January and can use those powers to enforce compliance if necessary - but it has repeatedly stated that it is aiming for willing community cooperation.

Australian Capital Territory

The ACT declared a public health emergency on Monday in response to Covid-19, which gives the chief health officer powers to enforce quarantine provisions, to order the evacuations of public areas, to restrict access to an area, and even to force someone to undergo medical examination.

Under those powers, anyone who breaches the order for travellers to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Australia could face a $8,000 fine, under the Public Health Act 1997.

Mass gatherings will be policed under the same legislation.

Western Australia

Western Australian invoked powers under the Emergency Management Act at midnight on Sunday to enforce self-isolation requirements.

Under the act, travellers who breach the 14-day self-isolation order are liable for a $50,000 fine or possible jail time.

The ban against mass gatherings is enforced under the same legislation, with the same penalty to apply.

Northern Territory

Self-isolation requirements will be enforced under the Notifiable Diseases Act, which carries penalties of $1,256 or six months' prison for breaching a public health order.

Di Stevens, the acting chief health officer, said she expected the community would monitor and police each other to ensure isolation orders were followed.

Mass gatherings of more than 500 people have been banned under the Public and Environmental Health Act.

That does not include schools, universities, public transport or attending the Darwin markets, chief minister Michael Gunner said.

Travel to remote communities for everyone but essential services, supply runs and maintenance runs has also been banned. Gunner said people in remote communities were not being "left alone" during the coronavirus outbreak and would have everything they needed to be healthy and safe.

"To protect you, we are keeping nonessential people away from you," he said. "If you don't need to travel out of your community, then don't. Just like the rest of us you are safer in your home community."

Australian leaders consider ban on groups of more than 100 to try to halt coronavirus

South Australia

South Australia declared a public health emergency on Sunday. Premier Steven Marshall told AAP the declaration would allow public health officers to take "all the necessary actions required to keep the people of South Australia as safe as we possibly can".

The SA parliament this month passed new laws giving public health officers greater powers to order a person to self-isolate, be detained in a particular place or agree to medical testing.

Failure to comply with orders under the revised Public Health Act 2011 carries a maximum fine of $25,000.

Tasmania

Tasmania was the first state to ban cruise ships from coming into port, and introduced measures banning mass gatherings of more than 500 people, and requiring travellers to self-isolate for 14 days, from midnight on Sunday.

Under the Public Health Act in Tasmania, the maximum fine for breaching an order to self-isolate is $8,400.

The ban on mass gatherings does not include markets, like Hobart's Salamanca market, on the justification that those events involve people moving through and are therefore unlikely to result in someone having sustained close contact with a stranger. However school fetes and assemblies have been banned.
Topics

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How Australia will enforce coronavirus self-isolation rules for overseas arrivals

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In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Australia has introduced mandatory 14-day self-isolation for people arriving from overseas. But how will this be enforced? Under the NSW Public Health Act, anyone who enters Australia from another country will be subject to a 14-day self-isolation quarantine, with fines of up to $11,000 or six months' prison if they do not comply.

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COVID-19: Information for Australian travellers

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COVID-19: Information for Australian travellers

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Retrieved 17 March, 2020
Source:
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/COVID-19-australian-travellers

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This page covers the following topics:

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause a range of illnesses from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Initial human infections of this new, or 'novel' coronavirus were first notified to the World Health Organization (WHO) in late December 2019 after a cluster of pneumonia cases emerged in Hubei Province, China. On 30 January 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Since it's a new virus, much remains unknown about the characteristics of the coronavirus. However, a large number of countries have now confirmed sustained or limited person-to-person transmission. On 11 February 2020, the WHO named the disease caused by the novel coronavirus 'COVID-19'.

Common symptoms of the disease include a fever, flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue, and shortness of breath. While around 80 per cent of cases will only experience mild symptoms, severe cases can cause pneumonia, and even death.

More COVID-19 information, fact sheets and resources for the public, health professionals and industry are available from the Department of Health.

What we recommend

We now advise all Australians to reconsider your need for overseas travel at this time.

Regardless of your destination, age or health, if your overseas travel is not essential, consider carefully whether now is the right time.

We have issued this advice for two principal reasons:

1. You may be more exposed to contracting COVID-19 while travelling overseas. You may come in contact with more people than usual, including during long-haul flights and in crowded airports. Health care systems in some countries will come under strain and may not be as well-equipped as Australia's. If you're sick, you may not have your normal support networks.

2. Overseas travel has become more complex and unpredictable. Many countries are introducing entry or movement restrictions. These are changing often and quickly. Your travel plans may be disrupted. You may be placed in quarantine or denied entry to some countries, and you may need to self-quarantine on return to Australia. Think about what this might mean for your health, and your family, work or study responsibilities.

There are some countries and regions in the world where we advise you ' do not travel'. These are mostly for security reasons but some are also because of a very high risk of coronavirus transmission. Do not travel to these places.

For all other destinations, you should reconsider your need to travel. This is a global advisory in light of the widespread nature of the COVID-19 outbreak and the significant measures in place to curb it. Individual country advisories may not yet display a 'reconsider' advice level. You should nevertheless reconsider your need to travel to all destinations. These country pages will be updated and remain an essential of source of information on country-specific risks and contact information.

If you're overseas and can't or don't want to return to Australia, follow the advice of local authorities. Take care to minimise your risk of exposure to coronavirus.

Contact your airline, travel agent or insurance company to discuss your travel plans and options for cancelling or postponing current bookings, or to arrange flights back to Australia.
More information:
While you're away

If you're overseas and can't or don't want to return to Australia, follow the advice of local authorities. Take care to minimise your risk of exposure to coronavirus.

Health

To minimise your risk of exposure:

practise good hygiene to protect yourself against infections. Good hygiene includes:

wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet

cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser

avoiding close contact with others, particularly if they are unwell

monitor your health closely. If you develop symptoms while travelling (fever, a cough, sore throat, tiredness or shortness of breath), arrange to see a doctor for an urgent assessment
you should isolate yourself to avoid any risk of spreading the virus until you can be tested

follow the advice of local authorities

you don't need to wear a face mask if you're well. Surgical masks in the community are only helpful in preventing people who are infected with coronavirus from spreading it to others. However, if you are travelling in a country whose health authorities ask people to wear a mask in public spaces, you should do so.

More information:
Transport - entry, exit and transit

Many countries have stricter entry and exit measures in response to COVID-19. These can change at short notice and without warning. You may not be allowed to enter or transit, or you may be quarantined, based on your previous travel history and symptoms. Some countries have designated Australia as a moderate-risk country, and may impose restrictions or deny entry to travellers from Australia altogether.

You should contact your travel agent, accommodation and transportation providers about any potential changes in services or entry requirements for your destinations. Check with your travel insurance company about how your specific policy covers the situation.

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries you are visiting before you travel if you have any queries about their entry or exit requirements.

Going on a cruise?

Australians, particularly those with underlying health concerns, should reconsider taking an overseas cruise at this time due to COVID-19. If in doubt, consult a medical professional before travelling.

Disruptions to cruise ship itineraries due to COVID-19 can have significant consequences for travellers. The situation is fluid and you can expect further disruptions.

If you do proceed with your cruise, check with your travel agent or cruise company for any additional health measures in place, and subscribe to our travel advisories for your destinations and transit locations.

More information:

Coming home

Returning from overseas

Australia has in place border, isolation, surveillance and case tracing mechanisms to protect the Australian community. We also have well-established mechanisms to respond to ill travellers at points of entry. Expect additional health measures in place as you return. The Department of Home Affairs has further information on changes to entry requirements.

If you feel unwell

If you develop symptoms within 14 days of returning to Australia, seek and follow medical advice. Stay at home to prevent potentially spreading the virus to others. If you need to see a doctor, call the clinic or hospital before you arrive to advise them of your symptoms and travel history. The doctor will make an assessment, and may arrange to test you for coronavirus. Follow the latest advice on the Department of Health website.

Airlines must report passengers on board showing signs of an infectious disease, including fever, sweats or chills. Unwell travellers are met on arrival by biosecurity officers, who'll make an assessment and take necessary actions, such as asking you to self-isolate or referring you to hospital, where required.

Returning to Australia from a high-risk country

Foreign nationals who have been in or transited through mainland China, Iran, Italy and Korea will not be allowed to enter Australia until 14 days after they have left that country.

Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family, and airline crews can enter Australia from these countries - but you'll need to isolate yourself at home for 14 days from the date you left the affected country.

If you've been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, you must also isolate yourself for 14 days after your last contact with the confirmed case

More information:

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) - information for Australian travellers

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This page covers the following topics: Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause a range of illnesses from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

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Read updates on travel restrictions in Australia
Source: Australian Government
Retrieved 17 March, 2020

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The Australian Government announces travel restrictions. See the latest information.

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When you travel internationally, biosecurity measures at the airport and in-flight will apply to you. Travel restrictions and other arrangements also apply to people travelling overseas, returning to or visiting Australia.
Remember: Be informed but don't panic.
Retrieved 17 March, 2020
Source: Department of Health, Australian Government
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-travellers

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Australian Government Department of Health

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Biosecurity measures

At the airport

If you are unwell, airlines must refuse to let you fly. There will be extra screening of passengers at Australian airports to identify anyone who is unwell.

For more on screening and reporting of ill passengers, read coronavirus advice for travellers and airlines.

At overseas airports, Australian Border Force liaison officers will work with airlines to identify travellers who should not board.

In-flight

If you are on an international flight and show signs of an infectious disease:

the airline must report you to biosecurity officers

biosecurity officers will assess you before you get off the plane

you may be isolated or referred to a hospital

If you are unwell on a flight you will be identified and referred for assessment when you arrive at your destination.

Travelling overseas

If you are planning on travelling overseas, check the Smartraveller website regularly and subscribe for updates.

Australians should also reconsider taking overseas cruises, especially if you have other health concerns.

To find out:

Citizens and permanent residents returning to Australia

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you and your immediate family members can return to Australia.

Self-quarantine processes will apply.

Foreign nationals entering Australia

If you are a foreign national, you must self-quarantine in a home or hotel for 14 days after entering Australia.

Entry restrictions apply to foreign travellers from mainland China, Iran, Republic of Korea and Italy.

Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for:

Also read our international travellers fact sheet.

Stay informed

Remember to check the Smartraveller website regularly and subscribe for updates.

Whether you're travelling in Australia or overseas, make sure you know the facts about COVID-19.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers

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If you are unwell, airlines must refuse to let you fly. There will be extra screening of passengers at Australian airports to identify anyone who is unwell. For more on screening and reporting of ill passengers, read coronavirus advice for travellers and airlines.

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COVID-19: The Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan

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COVID-19: The Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan

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The Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (the COVID-19 Plan) guides the Australian health sector response.
Remember: Be informed but don't panic.
Retrieved 17 March, 2020
Source:
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/australian-health-sector-emergency-response-plan-for-novel-coronavirus-covid-19

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COVID-19: Australian Coronavirus current situation and case numbers

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COVID-19: Australian Coronavirus current situation and case numbers

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Read the daily updates about Convid-19 in Australia here to see what you can do to be safer and help keep our community safer, too.
Remember: Be informed but don't panic.
Retrieved 17 March, 2020
Source:
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-current-situation-and-case-numbers

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Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

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COVID-19 case notifications

Over the last week, 5,474 cases of COVID-19 were reported across Australia, an average of 782 cases per day.

COVID-19 cases and 7 day rolling average, 01 Jan 2022 to 29 Sep 2023

Weekly case numbers and change (%)

Source: Jurisdictional reporting as at 4 October 2023. Please note that due to rounding, jurisdiction averages may not sum exactly to national averages. From 30 June 2023, Victoria no longer collects self-reported positive rapid antigen test (RAT) results. From 31 August 2023, Queensland no longer collects self-reported positive RAT results. NSW was not able to provide data from 30/09/2023 to 3/10/2023 due to technical issues.

COVID-19 associated deaths

Factors such as other disease or chronic conditions may also have contributed to or caused deaths associated with COVID-19.

National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) death data may have a delay, particularly for the last two weeks, in confirming death notifications publicly reported by States and Territories; recent data will be subject to revision.

For more information on mortality statistics in Australia, please see Australian Bureau of Statistics - Causes of death.

COVID-19 associated deaths, 01 Jan 2022 to 03 Oct 2023

COVID-19 associated deaths, rolling 7-day average by jurisdiction, 01 Jan 2022 to 03 Oct 2023

Source: National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System as at 04 Oct 2023

COVID-19 vaccinations

To find the latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics, please see the COVID-19 vaccination rollout update.

Approximately 68.8 million total vaccine doses have been administered since the COVID-19 Vaccination program began in February 2021.

Over 26,000 doses have been administered over the last 7 days.

Since 1 January 2023, approximately 4.0 million 2023 Booster Doses have been administered to people aged 18 years and over.

The 2023 Booster program formally commenced on 20 Feb 2023. Note administration of vaccine doses may be impacted by public holidays.

COVID-19 daily booster doses administered by 18+ age group (since 1 January 2023)

Source: Australian Immunisation Register as at 04 Oct 2023

COVID-19 treatments

COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid) and molnupiravir (Lagevrio) are available through the PBS for eligible patients.

Commencing 11 July 2022, the PBS eligibility criteria for COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments Paxlovid and Lagevrio has been expanded.

Please note that individual script counts may not add to the total script count. The weekly numbers relate to the date of supply (dispensing) of the medicine. The state relates to the location of the dispensing pharmacy. Figures may change due to claiming activity by pharmacies.

Updated eligibility for oral COVID-19 treatment is available on the COVID 19 treatment eligibility page.

Total weekly PBS scripts for oral COVID-19 treatment, by jurisdiction

Total weekly PBS scripts for oral COVID-19 treatment, by age groups

Source: PBS; included Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) & Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) patients, for week ending 01 Oct 2023 extracted on 05 Oct 2023

COVID-19 impact on hospitals

The number of hospitalised COVID-19 cases has increased by an average of 4.1% compared to the previous week.

More information about hospital and intensive care for COVID-19 is available on the Health Direct website.

Weekly COVID-19 cases in hospital and ICU and case notifications, Australia, 01 Jan 2022 to 29 Sep 2023

Weekly COVID-19 cases in hospital and ICU and case notifications, by jurisdiction, 01 Jan 2022 to 29 Sep 2023

Source: Jurisdictional reporting, as at 30 Sep 2023. Please note that due to rounding, jurisdiction averages may not sum exactly to national averages.

Only includes NT after 10 January 2022 as NT hospitalised all cases until 10 January 2022. ACT hospital and ICU data was not available between 13 November 2022 and 24 November 2022 and on 3 April 2023. QLD ICU occupancy data was unavailable between 23 December 2022 and 1 January 2023 and hospital and ICU data was not available on 15 August 2023. NSW hospital and ICU occupancy data is only available for weekdays. From 2 March 2023, only public hospitalisations are reported for QLD (total hospitalisations, and ICU data reported from separate systems). From 17 March 2023, South Australia data pertaining to hospitalisations may no longer include all COVID-19 cases confirmed by Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), hospitalisation data will continue to include cases admitted in public hospitals who have laboratory confirmed COVID-19 tests (PCR positive), variables of ICU admission and ventilation are no longer able to be reported. NSW weekly hospital numbers are a three-day average for the period 27/09/2023 to 29/09/2023 due to technical issues.

Daily COVID-19 invasive ventilations as a proportion of all ventilations, Australia, 01 Jan 2022 to 04 Oct 2023

Source: Critical Health Resources Information System (CHRIS), as at 04 Oct 2023

COVID-19 impact on residential aged care homes

Daily COVID-19 active outbreaks in aged care homes, 01 Jan 2022 to 04 Oct 2023

Resident cases in aged care homes, 01 Jan 2022 to 04 Oct 2023

Staff cases in aged care homes, 01 Jan 2022 to 04 Oct 2023

Source: My Aged Care Provider Portal, as at 05 Oct 2023

COVID-19 deaths among people on NDIS and Disability Support Pension

This table shows the number of COVID-19 associated deaths registered in Australia for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants and Disability Support Pension (DSP) recipients since March 2020.

'COVID-19 associated deaths' are the total deaths both due to COVID-19 and with COVID-19.

Source: The Department of Health and Aged Care's COVID-19 linked research environment in the Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (Provisional Mortality data linked to NDIS and DSP programs).

Disability groups

Participant deaths to 31 August 2023

People on NDIS (including those receiving DSP)

439

DSP-only recipients

833

Note: Data may be incomplete due to a lag in death registrations.

NDIS population as at 30 June 2023.
DSP population as at 30 June 2023.
Data is confidentialised to protect the privacy of individuals.

This series of reporting based on data matched with the MADIP dataset commenced 1 June 2023, replacing previous reporting which set out COVID cases and deaths among NDIS recipients reported to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

COVID-19 epidemiology reports

For access to the epidemiological reports, published in CDI, on the incidence, severity, and distribution of coronavirus disease, see the COVID-19 epidemiology reports, Australia, 2020-2022.

State and territory reporting

For more information please contact the relevant jurisdiction's health department. You can also request data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). Requests for NNDSS data may require agreement from states and territories.

Technical notes

From 7 October 2022, there is a change in series to update the COVID-19 vaccination reporting to better reflect current circumstances providing a more accurate and up to date representation of the level of protection in the population. Changes include:

Updated population denominator used for general coverage to the latest release of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Estimated Residential Population (2021)

Removed from all coverage calculations individuals who are no longer in scope for the vaccination rollout (i.e. deceased or permanently left Australia)

Included doses that may have been administered internationally where the vaccine brand is recognised by the TGA and recorded into the Australian Immunisation Register.

Please note that due to rounding, jurisdiction averages may not sum exactly to national averages.

The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) is a dynamic system, where data are subject to retrospective revisions as updates are received, particularly for recent weeks. Data may vary from data reported in published NNDSS reports and reports of notification data by states and territories.

The NNDSS data on COVID-19 associated deaths relate to date of death of an individual.

The 2023 COVID-19 Booster program formally commenced on 20 February 2023, in accordance with latest policy advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). The COVID-19 2023 Booster doses is a count of the number of vaccine doses administered to individuals aged 18 years and over who have received their third or higher dose in sequence in 2023.

Australian COVID-19 Aged Care Incident Response System (AUS CAIRS) data is sourced via case managers through facility self-reporting into the My Aged Care Portal. Data presented on this page is the number of positive cases associated with current outbreaks and may differ from historical reports due to lags in uploading to the system. Non-residential establishments such as Multipurpose Services and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care are included in active outbreak data.

Invasive ventilation data is sourced from the Critical Health Resources Information System (CHRIS). Hospitals can submit multiple entries every day. Daily aggregations use the maximum entry for each hospital after removing outliers. Data from CHRIS is subject to retrospective revision and may vary from data reported in published NNDSS reports and reports of notification data by states and territories.

Estimated Resident Population (ERP) is based on Australian Bureau of Statistics Estimated Resident Population 2021. ERP is the official measure of the population of Australia, based on their usual residence. It refers to all people, regardless of nationality, citizenship or legal status, who usually live in Australia, with the exception of foreign diplomatic personnel and their families. The ERP includes usual residents who are overseas for less than 12 months and excludes overseas visitors who are in Australia for less than 12 months.

Cumulative count of COVID-19 associated deaths includes all individuals registered on the NDIS and/or DSP at the time of their death (or who exited within 4 weeks prior to death).

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This page provides updates on national COVID-19 case numbers, vaccinations and trends.

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This city isn't cheap, but it's overflowing with restaurants serving up great stuff at prices that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. In fact, for that same $50 note, two of you can get watered and fed very well. From banh mi to tonkotsu ramen, biang biang noodles to vegan burgers, and pretty much everything else in between, some of Sydney's greatest culinary hits are the cheapest. These are the ones worth their salt.

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Rubbing two pennies together won't land you dinner at Quay (and neither will two pineapples, for that matter), but why let that get in the way of a great meal? Nine times out of ten, suiting up for a decadent degustation or a $50 main isn't even what you probably want to do anyway. This city ain't cheap, but it's overflowing with restaurants serving up stellar stuff at prices that won't burn a hole in your wallet. In fact, for that same $50 note, two of you can get watered and fed very well. From banh mi to tonkotsu ramen, biang biang noodles to vegan burgers, and pretty much everything else in between, some of Sydney's greatest culinary hits are the cheapest. These are the ones worth their salt.
Want to spend less at the big-ticket players? Check out our cheap fine-dining hacks. Curious to know the best of the best, regardless of the budget? Here are the 50 best restaurants in Sydney.
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Rubbing two pennies together won't land you dinner at Quay (and neither will two pineapples, for that matter), but why let that get in the way of a great meal? Nine times out of ten, suiting up for a decadent degustation or a $50 main isn't even what you probably want to do anyway.

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Read more on
http://youth.gawler.sa.gov.au/youth-resources/health/mental-health/

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Read more on
https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/understand-domestic-violence/facts-violence-women/domestic-violence-statistics/

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Courteous travel

When on board public transport, offer your seat to someone who needs it more than you. This includes people who are older, who have a disability or impaired mobility, who are pregnant or travelling with children.

Other things you can do to be considerate of others:

Make room for people getting on or off.

Do not block the doors or aisles with prams, bags or bikes and boards.

Carry your backpack by its handle and when standing put your backpack on the floor between your legs to avoid causing any inconvenience to other passengers.

Do not take up more than one seat when others are standing.

Do not put your feet on the seats.

Use headphones with mobile devices and keep the volume down.

Speak quietly when on the phone.

Put your rubbish in the bin.

Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze.

Threatening, offensive or unsafe behaviours are not tolerated and fines may apply.
https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/using-public-transport/travel-courtesy-etiquette