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How to Talk to Kids about the Coronavirus 

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How to Talk to Kids about the Coronavirus 

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How to Talk to Kids About the Coronavirus

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COVID-19 vaccines for children—your questions answered

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COVID-19 vaccines for children—your questions answered

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https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/covid-19-vaccines-for-children-your-questions-answered

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We know that many parents and carers will be worried about COVID-19 – also known as coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2 –particularly if your child has a long-term health condition. With the help of our child health specialists, we’ve created this page to share all the information, service updates and advice we have about COVID-19 and what it means for your child’s healthcare in one handy place.

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We know that many parents and carers will be worried about COVID-19 – also known as coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2 –particularly if your child has a long-term health condition. With the help of our child health specialists, we’ve created this page to share all the information, service updates and advice we have about COVID-19 and what it means for your child’s healthcare in one handy place.

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We have made some changes to the way we offer outpatient appointments to ensure we can continue to provide safe and timely care for Queensland children and young people during the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic.

For patients and families, these changes may mean:

'Virtual' consultations' (via phone or videoconferencing, also known as 'telehealth') being offered for outpatient reviews and appointments where it is clinically safe and appropriate to do so.

Postponement of some non-urgent outpatient appointments.

Postponement of some non-urgent elective surgeries.

These changes support the important social distancing guidelines now in place across the country, and will help us limit the number of children and parents in the hospital, thereby keeping everyone as safe as possible.

All urgent outpatient reviews and appointments are proceeding (either face-to-face or virtually) at this time.

Our clinical specialists are reviewing all current patient lists and new referrals on a case-by-case basis to determine the best options and/or possible alternative plans for each child. Non-urgent cases will only be postponed where it is clinically safe to do so.

We will contact families directly is there are any changes to their child's appointments.

If you feel your child requires an urgent clinical review, please contact your GP or the Children's Health Queensland Outpatient Call Centre on 1300 762 831.

We also ask that families who have appointments booked in the coming weeks, keep in mind that scheduled times and dates may change as the escalating COVID-19 pandemic impacts the hospital's staff and services.

We know these changes may cause disappointment and inconvenience to families and we appreciate your understanding. At this challenging time, we have to ensure we can continue providing safe and timely care to children who need it most.

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content {padding-top: 0 !important;} COVID-19 and your child's health We know that many parents and carers will be worried about COVID-19 - also known as coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2 -particularly if your child has a long-term health condition. With the help of our child

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The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has upended family life around the world. We understand that right now, more than ever, parents and families need support. To help parents manage the changes they are facing in these uncertain times, we have developed some downloadable resources, podcasts and television series for parents and carers.

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The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has upended family life around the world. We understand that right now, more than ever, parents and families need support. To help parents manage the changes they are facing in these uncertain times, we have developed some downloadable resources, podcasts and television series for parents and carers.

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Parenting and Family Support Centre - University of Queensland

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The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has upended family life around the world. We understand that right now, more than ever, parents and families need support. To help parents manage the changes they are facing in these uncertain times, we have developed some downloadable resources, podcasts and television series for parents and carers.

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Supporting children during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

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Supporting children during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

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Supporting children during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

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This curated selection of resources will assist parents and carers to best to support their children and reduce worry.

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Find information on COVID-19 and protective hygiene, plus tips to help you and your family cope.

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Find information on COVID-19 and protective hygiene, plus tips to help you and your family cope.

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Find information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and protective hygiene, plus tips to help you and your family cope.

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Qld Government: Mental Well-being Support

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Qld Government: Mental Well-being Support

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It's normal to feel sad or worried sometimes, especially when life gets tough. Sometimes, you might need some help to feel better again. If you're struggling with your mental health, support is available. The services and organisations listed below are available to help.

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Kids worry more when they're kept in the dark

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Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus Crisis - Child Mind Institute

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What parents and other adults can say to kids about the coronavirus COVID-19. How to answer their questions and keep kids feeling safe.

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Coping with Challenges with the Coronavirus

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Coping with Challenges with the Coronavirus

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A five minute video for 4 to 11 year old kids about coping with worries about the Coronavirus

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Your code has been successfully applied and gives you free access to Calm Kid Central for 30 days. Please note that after this period, your credit card/paypal account will be charged monthly at the usual monthly rate.

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Time to Come In, Bear: A Children's Story About Social Distancing

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Time to Come In, Bear: A Children's Story About Social Distancing

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Time to Come In, Bear: A Children's Story About Social Distancing

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ABC: 'What would Bandit do?' I'm taking parenting cues from Bluey to get through the coronavirus pandemic

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ABC: 'What would Bandit do?' I'm taking parenting cues from Bluey to get through the coronavirus pandemic

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As a parent, it's obligatory to begin most sentences with "as a parent".

Also, as a parent, it's incumbent on me to be in a state of vague panic approximately all of the time.

Evolution has programmed our dumb mammal brains to be hypervigilant about the wellbeing of our little bundles of species-future, and thus even the most cavalier laugh-in-the-face-of-death sort of person will turn to jelly at the thought of something happening to their child.

My own first few months of parenthood involved a ridiculous amount of checking on whether my son was still breathing, which was tiresome when he was sleeping and downright weird when he was actively moving around and squawking at me.

So I had no shortage of things to be worried about when the coronavirus pandemic began. As a father of two kids it would be very easy to go into a permanent state of "helicopter parent panic" right now.

But then my anxiety about the present collided with my anxiety about the future.

Coronavirus update: Follow all the latest news in our daily wrap

It's OK to put everything aside for a bit and play

What if my anxiousness about COVID-19 is passed on to my boys, who are too young to understand exactly what's going on but definitely old enough to pick up on Dad's stress and worry and absorb it into their fertile little brains?

Won't that just be exacerbated if we go into weeks of lockdown where Dad represents a quarter of the population of our family's tiny new planet?

And so I did what any right-thinking Australian father would do. I asked myself, "What would Bandit do?"

Because here's the thing about the ABC's beloved children's show, Bluey: it's probably the single most ideal portrayal of early childhood parenting on television, despite its characters being animated dogs.

Not only is it wildly entertaining for parents to watch with children, the overwhelming lesson Bluey instils is that it's OK to put everything aside for a bit and just play with our kids.

Scratch that: it reminds us that it's downright important for us to throw ourselves into play, because first, that is how children learn and second, our kids look to their parents as models for their own behaviour.

I was hit particularly hard by the closing scene of the episode Takeaway, in which a frustrated Bandit (Bluey's dad) realises that even those stressful moments with kids acting up are fleeting, and decides to go all-in on mucking around with them.

What dad hasn't been tempted away from doing work to re-enact Raiders of the Lost Ark with a yoga ball down a hallway instead?

In other words, if adults are scared and snappy and withdrawn because we've just spent 40 minutes scrolling through coronavirus-related news, our children are going to notice, and assume that is the right way to respond to the people around them.

Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak

If Bluey and Bingo have taught me anything, it's this

And I don't want my kids to be scared. I want them to feel like Mum and Dad have got this, even if Mum and Dad aren't nearly as confident about that themselves.

So I calmed down, took a deep breath, and used it to inflate a balloon for a spirited game of Keepy Uppy.

Your questions on coronavirus answered:

My wife Dee and I also made a quiet promise to each other to celebrate this peculiar moment in history, despite everything, because it's giving us hours with our young family which we'd never have the opportunity to enjoy otherwise.

As it happens, as I was writing this, Dee and I were playing our 13 month-old son's current favourite game - rolling a ping pong ball across the kitchen floor and laughing wildly at it - when he abruptly stood and took his first proper steps.

That's a moment we could easily have missed, were the circumstances less ... unique.

I know this is a thread of silver lining within a massive, foreboding thunderhead. I'm acutely aware that the coming weeks are going to be difficult and challenging, even in the best-case scenario.

Money's going to be tight, the future's uncertain, and I don't even want to contemplate how the virus could potentially affect us, our extended family, our friends and our community once transmission rates peak - although I do, constantly, as I'm trying to go to sleep.

But if Bluey and Bingo have taught me anything it's that their parents would want them to know they were loved and safe no matter what happened, and the best way to make forced isolation bearable is to turn it into a wonderful game.

So that's what we're going to do. And I feel that Bandit and Chilli would approve.
Andrew P Street is a freelance writer.
What the experts are saying about coronavirus:

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume.

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'What would Bandit do?' I'm taking parenting cues from Bluey to get through the coronavirus pandemic - ABC News

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As a parent, it's obligatory to begin most sentences with "as a parent". Also, as a parent, it's incumbent on me to be in a state of vague panic approximately all of the time.

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ABC RN: Stuck inside with the kids during the coronavirus pandemic? Here are some ideas for creative play

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ABC RN: Stuck inside with the kids during the coronavirus pandemic? Here are some ideas for creative play

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After two kids and five years, there are still so many parenting things I just don't get.

How do you make a child sit in a hairdresser's chair, let alone a dentist's? How many Blueys in a row is too many? Is compliance through food bribery OK? If not, how do you get anything done?

Which is why I love the attitude of play specialist Cat Sewell, and her advice to parents facing the prospect of being stuck at home in isolation with their kids for weeks on end, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Keep it as simple as possible," she tells ABC RN's Life Matters. Sit back a bit and let the masters do their thing.

"Children are so geared for play. They're wired for play, and they're wired for imagination. So I think the first thing is for us not to stress.

"Your child can take the lead. They are the experts in this, so they'll have lots of ideas."

Ms Sewell says while we shouldn't worry about coming up with endless ideas, we also shouldn't forget how important play is - especially in emotionally loaded times like these.

"Play lets off a lot of steam," she says.

"The way [kids] are going to be processing the changes and stress that they're picking up at the moment is through play. So it's absolutely crucial they're able to do that at home or wherever they are."

While kids can take the lead, you can still give them all the right pointers. Here are some great play suggestions.

Sit back, don't take over

Ms Sewell recommends a type of play she calls a "serve and return".

"All it is, is making an offer; so you're serving an idea. Then you wait for what the child returns back to you," she says.

For example, rather than inviting children to use old boxes to make a rocket, you let them come up with their own plan.

"Instead of having a really big plan as an adult - like, we're making a rocket, and this is how it's going to be and don't put that there, stay on task - you give over a part of an idea or a prompt," Ms Sewell says.

If they run with it, you can serve another prompt.

"So, we're actually going back and forward together, rather than adults taking over," she says.

Something else Ms Sewell says is important in play is asking kids open-ended questions. This way, adults don't have to come up with all the ideas.

"An example would be, 'I wonder what we could do with this?' Or, 'I wonder what this could be?' Or, 'I like what you've done there. Can you tell me about it?'" Ms Sewell says.

She believes open-ended materials are as just as important. Cardboard boxes, fabric or your recycling, for example, can be used in many different ways.

We shouldn't be afraid to get low-tech, Ms Sewell says.

"Really think about back to those old-school things of really simple play ideas," she says.

Ideas for the yard-less

If you're in an apartment, and don't have an easy outside option, there are still plenty of play options.

You might get your hands on ping pong balls to throw around, or make a ball from a bunch of folded back socks.

"Do some catch or things like running races up and down the hall or handstands," Ms Sewell says.

You could set up an obstacle course, make couch forts or build a cubby house from sheets.

And if that sounds like any normal rainy weekend at your place - good, Ms Sewell says. So it should.

"That's how we need to think about [play in isolation or lockdown] - not suddenly thinking we have to do everything," she says.

"Obviously, maybe some structuring the day might be helpful. But we don't need, as parents, to feel like we need to entertain children continually.

"Kids are OK to play on their own - and they should. They should be able to do that."

A sense of control through play

Lorin Clarke, creator of ABC RN audio series The Fitzroy Diaries, recently found herself in the position of caring for her two young kids at home in isolation.

She says having a rough timetable for the day, formed together the night before, was useful for all of them, helping them know what to expect of the day.

"The children think of what it is they want to do, and so it's led by them, which gives them a sense of autonomy," Ms Clarke says.

But there's a fundamental principle informing her approach: flexibility. Timetables can change, and you'll need to roll with it.

"Like, we went for a walk and we discovered some things on the walk and came back and those were the things the children were interested in. So I just ditched the next segment of the day or repurposed it a little bit around what we discovered on our walk," Ms Clarke says.

She says play should be "child-led" - especially in the current climate.

"It gives the kids that sense of fun, but it's also a little bit of a sense of ownership and control, which at an uncertain time, when they're definitely picking up on the stressed, weird vibe, is helpful," she says.

Ms Clarke has some high-tech recommendations too.

"You know, it takes a village to raise a child, and the village is now outside, and you're not able to touch it," she says.

But you can still access it.

Ms Clarke says connecting with other parents sharing play ideas in online groups has revealed "so many wonderful, creative, hilarious, but also helpful" ideas.

She's found free daily kids' illustration classes, local independent book shops that are delivering books and making their digital libraries accessible, and online storytimes (check out your local library to see if they offer access to Australian ones). You can even visit animals at the zoo, without leaving home.

It's comforting to hear that while the village might be outside the house, that doesn't mean it has disappeared.

And while I still don't have any help for my question of the child and the dentist chair, I'm pleased to know - when it comes to questions of play - I should chill out, take a step back and let kids come up with their own answers.

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Stuck inside with the kids during the coronavirus pandemic? Here are some ideas for creative play - ABC News

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After two kids and five years, there are still so many parenting things I just don't get. How do you make a child sit in a hairdresser's chair, let alone a dentist's? How many Blueys in a row is too many? Is compliance through food bribery OK?

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Kids Helpline: Are you worried about novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

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Kids Helpline: Are you worried about novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

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There's a lot of unknowns and bits of information right now. It can be a bit overwhelming. To make things even more complex, other aspects of your mental health and wellbeing don't just stop because there is a pandemic. Looking after your mental health is still important!

Remember that this is temporary and there are creative ways to stay connected with people you care about. There are also clever ways to make the most of quarantine or lockdown and engage in activities you care about.

Stuck for ideas or need some inspo? Check out our Insta for info, activities and fun stuff!

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There's a lot of unknowns and bits of information right now. It can be a bit overwhelming. To make things even more complex, other aspects of your mental health and wellbeing don't just stop because there is a pandemic. Looking after your mental health is still important!

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Kids Helpline is still open to answer your call, email or WebChat

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Kids Helpline is still open to answer your call, email or WebChat

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Kids Helpline | Phone & Web Counselling | Ages 5-25

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Parentline is still open to answer your call, email or WebChat

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Parentline is still open to answer your call, email or WebChat

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Have you contacted Parentline in the last six months? We'd love to hear your feedback!

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Headspace: How to cope with stress related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Headspace: How to cope with stress related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Skip to main content

It can feel stressful and overwhelming during an event like the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and we can all be affected differently. You might feel overwhelmed by the information, conversations and the increased levels of stress in your community. It can be hard to know what information to trust especially in a situation where things are changing so quickly. It can be helpful to keep up-to-date but it's also okay to switch off from the 24 hour media cycle if this is getting too much.

During this time some things in your life may be affected by attempts to contain the spread of the virus. You may have been looking forward to a gig or a trip that's been cancelled. You may be affected by school, uni or your workplace temporarily closing. Or you may have a loved one who is directly affected by the virus.

It's important to find the right level or type of support for you. And keep in mind that the type of support you may need can change as time passes. For many people staying connected to family and friends/loved ones is important.

The following information outlines things that might be helpful to manage any changes to daily life as a result of containment measures for COVID-19.
Please note: The latest medical information is changing on a daily basis so if you suspect you are at risk, or would simply like to understand COVID-19 more, visit the Department of Health. Download the printable info sheet here

Tips to maintain a healthy headspace during this time:

Be mindful of exposure to information through stories, traditional and social media. It can be helpful to take a break from the 24-hour news cycle.

Do things that make you feel physically and emotionally safe, and be with those who are helpful to your wellbeing

Engage in activities that promote a sense of calm and feeling grounded (use of alcohol and other drugs can be counterproductive with this).

Our 7 tips for a healthy headspace demonstrate simple and effective things that can help people to create and maintain a healthy headspace, irrespective of whether they have been affected by COVID-19 or not.

It can help to talk with a trusted adult if it all feels a bit much.

If you start to notice that you are experiencing these things, it is important to remember that these are normal reactions to a not normal time. During this time it is important as best as possible to keep engaged with the activities that support your wellbeing. You might need to get creative in how you continue to do them.

When should I get help?

If you ever feel unable to cope because of overwhelming or intense emotions, or if you have any thoughts of harming yourself, then ask for help immediately.
National 24/7 crisis services
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Additional youth support services
headspace: find your nearest centre or call eheadspace on 1800 650 890

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

ReachOut: reachout.com.au

SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 or sane.org

Talk with a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, school counsellor or find out if there is a headspace centre near you.

Speak to your local doctor or General Practitioner (GP) and help make a plan for your recovery. Or you can search for a health service and GP on healthdirect.
The headspace Clinical Reference Group oversee and approve clinical resources made available on this website. Last reviewed 12 March 2020

You might also be interested in

Good mental health and wellbeing allows us to live our lives in a positive and meaningful way and 'bounce back' from life's changes and challenges.

Anxiety is more than feeling stressed or worried. It can be tough to cope, but with the right support, things can get better.

Get professional support

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Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) COVID-19 Corona virus

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stressful and overwhelming during an event like the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and we can all be affected differently. You might feel overwhelmed by the information, conversations and the increased levels of stress in your community. It can be hard to know what information to trust especially in a situation where things are changing so quickly.

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ABC Radio: Short & Curly Bonus Episode [Podcast]

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ABC Radio: Short & Curly Bonus Episode [Podcast]

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Like the whole world, the Short & Curly team is dealing with the coronavirus. In this special episode, Matt, Carl and Molly talk about how working together when things get hard can make a big difference for everyone. And Carl learns that wearing lycra and doing jazzercise is great fun when you're in isolation!

If you're doing it a bit tough and need some help there are a bunch of places you get in touch with:

Youth Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Reach out  https://au.reachout.com/
Parent help line 1300 30 1300
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Lifeline 131114

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BONUS-How to work together through coronavirus

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Like the whole world, the Short & Curly team is dealing with the coronavirus. In this special episode, Matt, Carl and Molly talk about how working together when things get hard can make a big difference for everyone. And Carl learns that wearing lycra and doing jazzercise is great fun when you're in isolation!

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Episode answering kids questions

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‘Are we all going to die?’ We answer kids’ questions! - ABC Radio

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What does coronavirus look like? When can we hug again? Are we all going to die? We asked for questions from kids, and they delivered! Hundreds of Aussie kids have asked and we’ve put them to Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor. This episode is for them, so if you have a little one in your life, sit…

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Dept Home Affairs: COVID-19 (Coronavirus​) and the Australian border

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Dept Home Affairs: COVID-19 (Coronavirus​) and the Australian border

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Information in Arabic (عربى) | Chinese - Simplified ( 简体中文) | Farsi (فارسی) | Greek (Ελληνικά) | Italian (Italiana) | Korean (한국어) | Spanish (Española) | Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)

​

COVID-19 (Coronavirus​) and the Australian border

From 9pm AEDT 20 March 2020, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia.

All travellers to Australia are required to self-isolate for 14 days, either at home or in a hotel.

Travel restrictions are subject to change. Some exemptions are in place. Please check back regularly.

Travelling from Australia

Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents are restricted from travelling overseas from 25 March 2020 at 12:00hrs AEDST.

This travel restriction does not apply to:

people ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia

​​​airline and maritime crew and associated safety workers

New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (Subclass 444) Visa are not permanent residents for the purposes of the Biosecurity Determination and are permitted to depart Australia. New Zealand citizens who are permanent visa holders may apply for a Commissioner's discretion

​people engaged in the day to day conduct of outbound and inbound freight

people whose travel is associated with essential work at offshore facilities and

people travelling on official government business, including members of the Australian Defence Force.

Travellers who believe they meet a travel restriction exemption can apply online to the Commissioner of the ABF.​​

Travelling from overseas

All people entering Australia mustself-isolate for 14 days.

You may board a domestic flight to your intended destination in Australia to self-isolate there.

If you are well and not symptomatic, you may self-isolate in a hotel.

If travellers do not comply with their 14 day self-isolation requirements, they may face a range of penalties that exist in each State or Territory.

Restrictions in place until: Further notice

Exemptions to travel restrictions

You can travel to Australia if you are:​

​

Australian citizens without current passports should present evidence of citizenship or dual citizenship travel documents to the airline before departing.

You can come to Australia. You will need to self-isolate for 14 days, at home or in a hotel. Provisional (temporary) visa holders can not come to Australia​.

New Zealand citizens who normally reside in Australia (subclass 444) can come to Australia. You must carry proof of residency (driver's licence or documents in relation to your residency). Present it at check-in.

Important: New Zealand citizens and permanent residents not living in Australia can only transit through Australia to return to New Zealand. Refer to transiting section below.

You can apply for an exemption if you are:

​

For this category an immediate family only means:

Without visa - You can't come to Australia until you have a visa. Apply for a visa and include proof (such as your marriage certificate, your birth certificate or birth certificate for your children). If we let you travel, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days, at home or in a hotel.

With a temporary visa (except for Partner and Child visa holders) - Attach proof (such as your marriage certificate, evidence of your de-facto relationship such as shared finances or property, your birth certificate or birth certificate for your children) and request an exemption. Do not travel until we advise that you can. If we let you travel, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days, at home or in a hotel.

Partner (subclasses 100, 309, 801, 820) and Child (subclasses 101, 102, 445) visa holders can come to Australia. You do not need to request an exemption. You will need to self-isolate for 14 days, at home or in a hotel. Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa holders can't come to Australia at the moment.

Transit exemptions do not apply to any foreign nationals who have been in China, Iran, the republic of Korea or Italy in the last 14 days.

All transits must occur on the same day as arrival and passengers must remain in the sterile transit area. Check transit facilities at Australian airports, your travel arrangements and if you are eligible to transit without a visa.

Foreign nationals departing New Zealand can only transit Australia to return home between 21 March 2020 12:00 AEDST and 26​ March 2020 11:59 AEDST​. At the end of this period, this exemption is no longer valid.

Citizens of the following countries can transit through Australia to return home. These countries are:

The Commissioner of the Australian Border Force (ABF) may consider an additional exemption in relation to the travel restrictions currently in place for:

​Foreign nationals travelling at the invitation of the Australian Commonwealth Government for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response or whose entry would be in the national interest

Critical medical services, including air ambulance and delivery of supplies, that regularly arrive into Australia from international ports

Persons with critical skills (for example, medical specialists, engineers, marine pilots and crews) by exception

Diplomats accredited to Australia and currently resident in Australia, and their immediate family

​Case-by-case exceptions may also be granted for humanitarian or compassionate reasons.

Exemptions must be granted prior to these travellers undertaking travel to Australia. The request for an exemption through Commissioner's Discretion must be accompanied by:

Passenger details: name, DOB, visa type and number, passport number, Australian residential address, Australian telephone number)

Case information: why this case should be considered for Commissioner discretion/exemption

Supporting statement: the request should be accompanied by a statement and evidence of how the individual meets one of the grounds for an exemption or excise of the Commissioner's discretion listed above.

It is important that all travellers provide evidence to us that they meet one of the exemptions above before travelling. For example if are an immediate family member holding a temporary visa you will need to provide us with evidence of your relationship.

Apply online for an exemption

​

​Travellers who have a compassionate or compelling reason to travel to Australia can also use this form to apply for an exemption.

Visa holders in Australia

Staying in Australia

You must apply for a new visa before your current visa exp​ir​es. You may be​​​ eligible to be granted a bridging visa that will keep you lawful until a decision is made on your visa application.​

No further stay condition (includes 8503, 8534 and 8535)

This means you can't apply for most other visas until you leave Australia. If your visa has less than 2 months validity remaining you can request to waive this condition. We will advise you of the outcome of your request. If your request is approved, you can make a new visa application.​​

Condition 8558 (Non-resident cannot stay for more than 12 months in any 18 months period)

You will need to apply for a new visa Explore your visa options.

If your visa has expired, you need to apply for Bridging E visa (BVE) immediately in order to become lawful.

Complying with visa conditions

​

Can't provide additional information due to office closure (Health or Police clearances, Biometrics, English Language Testing)

You will be given additional time to complete checks and provide requested information.

Can't return to Australia before my visa expires and want to return

You will need to apply for a new visa once the travel restrictions are lifted.

​

Can't complete Australian Study Requirement or periods of stay under the regional initiatives for Temporary graduate visa holders

We are looking at concessions on a case-by-case basis.

Processing visa applications

Some services relating to the visa application process​ may be impacted by COVID-19.

We are aware of issues for certain visa holders overseas accessing the VEVO system. If you can't use VEVO to check your visa status and conditions, you can still access your visa grant letter and visa conditions online using your ImmiAccount.

Visa cancellation

We will notify you in writing if your visa has been cancelled in response to the temporary travel restrictions. This will include information on how to seek revocation of the visa cancellation

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COVID-19 (Coronavirus​) and the Australian border

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Information in Arabic (عربى) | Chinese - Simplified ( 简体中文) | Farsi (فارسی) | Greek (Ελληνικά) | Italian (Italiana) | Korean (한국어) | Spanish (Española) | Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) ​ From 9pm AEDT 20 March 2020, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia.

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Coronavirus video - Good Hygiene Starts Here

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Coronavirus video - Good Hygiene Starts Here

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We can all help to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This video details good hygiene practices that everyone can adopt.

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Australian Government Department of Health

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To help stop the spread of viruses
like the flu or coronavirus
good hygiene is essential.
That starts with washing your hands thoroughly
with soap and water
whenever you cough, sneeze or blow your nose,
prepare food or eat, care for someone sick,
touch your face, or use the toilet.
Remember to cough or sneeze into your arm
or a tissue. Bin the tissue and wash your hands.
Together, we can help stop the spread
and stay healthy.
Visit health.gov.au
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

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Coronavirus video - Good Hygiene Starts Here

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To help stop the spread of viruses like the flu or coronavirus good hygiene is essential. That starts with washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water whenever you cough, sneeze or blow your nose, prepare food or eat, care for someone sick, touch your face, or use the toilet.

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Coronavirus video - Help Stop The Spread

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Coronavirus video - Help Stop The Spread

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Helping to stop the spread of coronavirus is something that we can all do. Watch this video for practical tips.

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Australian Government Department of Health

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Viruses spread when you cough and sneeze
and the tiny droplets land on surfaces others might touch.
You can help reduce the risk
by coughing or sneezing into your arm or a tissue.
Bin the tissue.
Wash your hands with soap and water,
and if you're sick, seek medical advice.
Together, we can help stop the spread and stay healthy.
Visit health.gov.au
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

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Coronavirus video - Help Stop The Spread

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Viruses spread when you cough and sneeze and the tiny droplets land on surfaces others might touch. You can help reduce the risk by coughing or sneezing into your arm or a tissue. Bin the tissue. Wash your hands with soap and water, and if you're sick, seek medical advice.

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Coronavirus is most likely to spread from person to person, when we come into close contact with one another. We can all help stop the spread by keeping our distance.

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Australian Government Department of Health

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Coronavirus is most likely to spread from person to person when we come into close contact with one another.

We can all help stop the spread by keeping our distance.

This means do not shake hands, or exchange physical greetings, and wherever possible, stay at least 1.5 metres away from others.

It's also really important to practise good hygiene, especially after being in public places.

Together we can help stop the spread and stay healthy.

Visit health.gov.au to learn more.

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

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Coronavirus is most likely to spread from person to person when we come into close contact with one another. We can all help stop the spread by keeping our distance. This means do not shake hands, or exchange physical greetings, and wherever possible, stay at least 1.5 metres away from others.

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ABC Life: How to talk to kids about the coronavirus pandemic

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ABC Life: How to talk to kids about the coronavirus pandemic

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"Why are those shelves empty?"

"Because people have bought more toilet paper than they need."

"Why?"

"Because they are scared it will run out?"

"Why?"

I hesitate, looking down at my three-year-old daughter. What do I say? Do I explain viruses? Death tolls? Curve flattening?

COVID-19 could not have come at a worse time for parents of annoyingly curious kids in supermarkets.

"Listen, just don't touch your face."

"Why?"

How do we explain the coronavirus and the various social distancing measures to our kids without freaking them out?

Recently, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg held press conferences to answer questions from concerned children. It was very cute and informative.

But where are the press conferences for worried parents of grubby kids who can't keep their filthy fingers off their faces - or ours?

Over the past week, I have spoken to health experts, child psychologists and other parents for advice on how best to explain the virus, and why Daddy was crying for three hours because he couldn't go to the New Order concert.

The good news? There are some very helpful and simple things you can do to suit your child's level of understanding without making them terrified of everything and everyone!

I may not be a prime minister from a progressive country, but I will teach you about the Elbow Monster.

Read on, fellow parent!

How to talk about coronavirus without freaking out your child

Stay calm yourself

Children are very attuned to us, so we must be aware of what we transmit to them both verbally and non-verbally.

"You are their attachment figure," says Lauren Ban, mother of a one-year-old and a clinical psychologist who has worked with children with trauma.

"A child's sense of safety and security in the world has more to do with you than world events."

Listen to the podcast

We've all been impacted by coronavirus. Here's how to talk to kids about it, with Parental As Anything host Maggie Dent.

Read more

Let them lead the discussion

Chances are, your kids will be already aware of the virus from the media, friends or all those tabs you've left open on your browser.

A starting point is to listen to what they are concerned about.

"Ask open-ended questions in order to get a sense of what they already know and what they may be ruminating about," says Dr Ban.

Knowing your child's curiosity and understanding helps you to find the right responses. Instead of hearing facts about infection rates, they might just be interested in why they now have to sing Happy Birthday when they wash their hands, instead of at actual birthday parties, which they won't be going to for a little while.

"For most kids, the impact has been acutely felt with the cancellation of birthday parties," says Bethany Macdonald, a public programs producer for libraries and mother of two boys.

"My oldest son's birthday is in May, and we've given him a heads up that the situation might not have cleared by then so his party could be postponed."

Bethany says she doesn't sugar-coat things, explaining big words to her four- and six-year-old when they have come up in conversation.

"We haven't talked about the pandemic, but we have covered the lockdown and panic-buying, and having an asthmatic child. We do have a benchmark for discussing respiratory issues and their effects."

We'd love to hear your stories and advice about how you've communicated to your kids about COVID-19, isolation or social distancing. Email us! life@abc.net.au

Provide reassurance/a sense of safety

If your child is frightened by news in the media, it's important to find out what conclusions they have drawn about the information.

Reassuring them may consist of correcting misinformation (e.g. being fearful of certain racial groups) or providing evidence that may reduce catastrophising, or jumping to conclusions.

For example, if they are worried about dying, Dr Ban suggests you can counter with factual information: "It is highly unlikely that are you going to die. There are no cases of children having died."

"I've been very open with my children about coronavirus. I have to be, as they wonder why I've been working so much!" says Sarah McNab, paediatrician and director of General Medicine at The Royal Children's Hospital.

"I am honest and tell them that coronavirus is not a bad virus for kids. I tell them that we want to make sure everyone else is OK, so we have to try to stop the virus spreading."

'When can I see my grandparents?': Questions from kids about the coronavirus

What does the germ look like? Does it make you turn green? We answer real kids' questions about the coronavirus. (Grown-ups might find this helpful too!)

Read more

Information should be age appropriate

Organisations such as Early Childhood Australia have recommendations for the different levels of information your child may find relevant.

Very young kids and toddlers

It may be enough to have simple reminders to wash their hands with calming songs to sing together. Toddlers may be aware of parents home more, empty shelves at supermarkets and separation from grandparents and friends. So give simple factual explanations such as what 'little germs' are, and why getting them on our faces can make us sick.

Social distancing could be explained by saying "there are some illnesses about and so we can't visit your grandparents; we can FaceTime them until everyone is healthy again". (Teaching grandparents how to use FaceTime is a separate topic altogether.)

For children aged 4-6 years

Kids at this age are curious and may ask questions about why people are wearing masks or "why does Uncle John have a room full of hand sanitiser?"

More knowledge can be given in a simplified way, like "Viruses are so tiny you need a microscope to see them", or "They are transmitted via droplets of water when people cough", or "Uncle John is not a good role model".

School-age children

It's likely these kids are already aware of the coronavirus from the media and school closures. As explained above, it's important to approach with child-led conversations with reassuring answers to help children process the information in a way that doesn't cause too much anxiety.

For children on the spectrum

Information should be concrete and factual. In some cases, they can be presented as 'social stories' where concepts such as physical distancing can be communicated in a literal way, which may improve their understanding of the new ambiguous social situations.

Handy ABC Education articles

Everyday activities that give kids a sense of control

COVID-19 is a big global issue, so kids may feel helpless. Emphasising practical activities they can actually do, such as hygiene measures and ways to help others, gives them a sense of agency and purpose in an uncertain world.

Staying connected with others

Social distancing doesn't mean social isolation. Video call with friends and grandparents. Dr Ban suggests fostering community mindedness by bringing attention to helpers such as people who take food and care packages to elderly/other vulnerable groups.

Talk about ways to cheer up lonely neighbours, picking flowers, drawing pictures, or drop food off to older relatives and people in your community - while maintaining necessary physical distance.

"We've set up a game with our neighbours who have kids, where we've created a book," says Cara Whitelaw, a graphic design director and mother of two.

"We're writing part of a story, then drawing pictures, then putting it in their letterbox for them to do the next part. The kids are pretty excited by the idea we'll get something in our letterbox every day!"

Making handwashing fun

Promoting good hand hygiene is a necessary and positive activity to prevent yourself (and others) from getting sick.

Here are some ways to make the chore more fun:

Imagine that hands are animals.

Health professionals recommend a good 20 seconds of soapy hand rubbing. Singing Happy Birthday gets boring, so let your kids decide on a playlist of different choruses from their favourite tunes.

For older kids you can teach about the properties of soap repelling germs with the Pepper and Soap Experiment.

Lawrence Leung has discovered there's more than one way to help his daughter understand germs. In this instance, it's "the pepper experiment".(Supplied: Lawrence Leung)

How to stop them touching faces

Is telling kids not to touch their faces a futile exercise?

"Make it a game," Jordan Bell tells me. The psychologist, children's author and mother of a seven-year-old recommends drawing up a counting chart.

"If anyone sees anyone in the house touch their face, they get a dot on the chart. The person with the least face touches in a day gets to pick the music for a family dance party that night."

How to teach social distancing

Dr Bell says it's almost impossible to explain social distancing to younger kids. Instead we should remind them "we're not high-fiving, hugging or getting too close to people outside the family".

She suggests you work with children to make up a safe alternative: "A silly wink, or a toe tap, or jazz hands."

How to get them to cough/sneeze into their elbow

1.Grab a pen and draw a googly-eyed face in the crease of your kid's elbow.

2.Tell them that it's their pet Elbow Monster and it only eats sneezes and coughs.

Struggling to get younger kids to cough or sneeze in their elbow? Make an Elbow Monster!

So there you have it. Some ideas about how to talk to your kids about coronavirus.

Following all of the advice, I have decided my three-year-old is probably too young to discuss the pandemic.

However, she has taken the hygiene games to heart.

Perhaps too much. This morning my daughter requested I draw her Elbow Monster to resemble a cactus with two eyes. Then, before lunch she refused to wash her hands.

"No! No! I want to be sick."

"Why?" I asked.

"So I can feed the monster."

I facepalmed... then immediately regretted it and scrubbed my face with hand sanitiser.

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How the 'elbow monster' can help you talk about coronavirus with kids - ABC Life

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"Why are those shelves empty?" "Because people have bought more toilet paper than they need." "Why?" "Because they are scared it will run out?" "Why?" I hesitate, looking down at my three-year-old daughter. What do I say? Do I explain viruses? Death tolls? Curve flattening?

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MindSpot: 10 Psychological Tips for Coping with Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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MindSpot: 10 Psychological Tips for Coping with Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - World Health Organization

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Information on COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus.

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Health Direct: Online Symptom Checker Tool

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Health Direct: Online Symptom Checker Tool

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Australian Government Department of Health

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To find out if you meet the Australian Government guidelines for coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, answer a series of questions. These include information about:

your age and gender

any emergency symptoms you may be experiencing

your state or territory

whether you're a healthcare worker

any recent foreign travel

whether you've been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19

Online tool

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To find out if you meet the Australian Government guidelines for coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, answer a series of questions.

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Department of Health: COVID-19 Information

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Department of Health: COVID-19 Information

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Australian Government Department of Health

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The situation changes often. Stay up to date with the latest information about the spread of COVID-19 and the steps being taken to slow the spread.

Local outbreak information

Read the latest advice from ATAGI about the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the context of an outbreak of the COVID-19 delta strain.

Support for people and businesses affected by COVID-19 hotspots and restrictions

Visit the Services Australia website to find out more about about payments and support for people and businesses affected by COVID-19 hotspots and restrictions.

Check your local state and territory website for directives, hotspot information and travel restrictions:

Symptoms

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

Symptoms include:

If you are sick and think you might have COVID-19, check your symptoms using healthdirect's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptom Checker.

Protect others and stop the spread

We can all help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Australia.

To protect others you must:

If you have a confirmed case, you must isolate yourself to stop the virus spreading to other people.

If you're concerned

You can call the National Coronavirus Helpline for information and advice about COVID-19.

How to seek medical help for COVID-19

If you have used the symptom checker and it advises you should seek help or get tested, see how to seek medical help for COVID-19.

If you are having a medical emergency call 000.

GP respiratory clinics

The Australian Government is establishing GP respiratory clinics around the country to assess people with fever, cough, a sore throat, or shortness of breath.

These are being rolled out gradually. If there is not one in your area yet visit your state or territory health department website for more information on fever clinics and other services.

Find out if there is a clinic near you and how to register for an appointment:

If there is not yet one in your area, visit healthdirect or your state or territory health department website for more information on fever clinics and other available services.

Vaccines and treatments

Everyone in Australia will be offered a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.

Australia now has 3 COVID-19 vaccines approved for use - AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna.

Learn more about:

Advice for people most at risk

See more information and advice for people most at risk, including:

General public advice

Health and aged care sector advice

Government response

How we are managing the outbreak

The Prime Minister has activated the Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

To find out how the Australian Government is managing COVID-19, go to Government response to the outbreak.

Resources

Check our collections of resources and translated resources for more information about COVID-19.

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Find out how we are monitoring and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, how you can help stop the spread of the virus in Australia and what to do if you have symptoms. We also report the latest case numbers, official medical advice and information on treatment.

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Beyond Blue: Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak

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Beyond Blue: Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak

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beyondblue - Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service

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Mental health and COVID-19

Discussions and concerns around the coronavirus outbreak and practising self-isolation can be stressful and it can impact our mental health and wellbeing. It's normal to feel a range of emotions, such as stress, worry, anxiety, boredom, or low mood. Many people feel distressed and overwhelmed by the constant news and amount of information about the situation.

Head to Health is committed to providing Australians with trusted information and digital resources to help support their mental health and wellbeing during this pandemic. This page covers where to get the facts about the coronavirus outbreak, tips for maintaining good mental health, tips for managing financial stress, information on how to access mental health services, information for parents, and information on how to keep older Australians safe and connected by helping them get established online.

The ongoing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have caused significant disruption to the lives of many Australians. For some, it might appear as if life has returned to relatively normal, but for others it may seem as if the situation is constantly evolving, and normal as they have known it seems increasingly uncertain. Managing your mental health during this time of uncertainty can be an ongoing challenge.

If you are feeling impacted but don't know where to start looking for support, Head to Health has some resources that might help. Resources are also available to help if you are supporting someone else who might be experiencing difficulties.

COVID-19: The facts

The Australian Government Department of Health website is the main source of health-related information on what Australia is doing in response to this pandemic. See the coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert page.

A national campaign has launched to inform all Australians about the coronavirus (COVID-19). The campaign aims to reduce the risk to individuals and families by enabling them to make informed decisions and to take up health recommendations. There are a range of coronavirus (COVID-19) campaign resources that provide more information and tips to help you be prepared. There are also translated versions of the resources in Arabic, Vietnamese, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Farsi, Italian and Korean.

For the latest information about the global response to the COVID-19 outbreak, visit the World Health Organisation (WHO) page, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

I don't speak English:

If you need mental health support in your language, call TIS National on 131 450 or visit tisnational.gov.au to get an interpreter. TIS National covers more than 100 languages and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the cost of a local call.

Maintaining good mental health

This information has been produced in collaboration with MindSpot whose assistance is acknowledged and appreciated.

During this time, it's important to do things that help us to cope and maintain good mental health.

We also have a separate page that describes some psychological skills to help you cope with anxiety and worry about COVID-19.

Managing financial stress

COVID-19 is not just an unprecedented health crisis, but also an economic one. The financial impact of the pandemic has affected millions of Australians who have experienced sudden job loss, reduction of work hours, financial upheaval, and are living with uncertainty about how long the crisis will last.

Economic hardship and financial stress can take a serious toll on our mental health and wellbeing. Other aspects of your life might also be affected, which in turn can impact your ability to cope during an already challenging period.

While it is normal to feel anxious and worried during uncertain times, it is important to take steps to protect your mental health and wellbeing.

We have resources that can help you manage your mental health and wellbeing during periods of financial stress or anxiety.

We have a range of government resources to help manage your financial circumstances. There are also many digital mental health services available to help with stress and anxiety stemming from financial distress.

How to access mental health services

It is important to seek support if you are feeling overwhelmed. Speaking with friends or family to let them know how you feel can help, and they might also appreciate talking to you about how they feel. There are also many digital mental health services that you can access online or over the phone, or you can connect with a health professional such as your GP, a psychologist, or other mental health professional.

Information for parents

This information has been reproduced with permission from raisingchildren.net.au.

Protecting our elderly

Social distancing and self-isolation are key measures for preventing the spread of viruses. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), the team of health experts from around Australia who are helping the Government deal with the outbreak, has also placed limits on organised gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups, including residents of aged care facilities. However, these measures can leave people socially isolated, which has negative impacts on mental health and wellbeing.

Elderly people are one of the groups most at risk of serious infection if they are exposed to COVID-19, but they are also vulnerable to becoming isolated during this time. Getting established online is a good way to stay connected and access services while minimising exposure and spread of COVID-19.

If you know an older Australian who might need assistance in getting established online and learning digital literacy skills, visit eSafety's Be Connected website, which has great resources designed to help older Australians develop digital and online skills. eSafety's article Social distancing without the isolation: helping older Australians connect online highlights some of the key resources that can help right now.

Hear from mental health experts

As a nation, as a community and as individuals we are facing an extraordinary time - with many of us feeling unsettled and uncertain as we work together to stop the spread of COVID-19

Our mental health is equally as important as our physical health during this time

While we are keeping physically distant, it is more important than ever that we remain socially and emotionally connected

Mental health organisations, experts and leaders have come together to launch #InThisTogether - a national conversation that everyone can join in on, sharing practical tips online to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians during COVID-19

#InThisTogether calls on all Australians to proactively follow and share the tips while we remain socially and emotionally connected with family, friends, neighbours and your community

We will all need a little extra support during this time, so let's be kind, stay connected, check in with each other, and encourage people to seek professional support when they need it

Watch the #InThisTogether videos and find out more information on the campaign on the National Mental Health Commission website.

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Discussions and concerns around the coronavirus outbreak and practising self-isolation can be stressful and it can impact our mental health and wellbeing. It's normal to feel a range of emotions, such as stress, worry, anxiety, boredom, or low mood. Many people feel distressed and overwhelmed by the constant news and amount of information about the situation.

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Parenting Help: Anxiety & Fear / Calming Children

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Parenting Help: Anxiety & Fear / Calming Children

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Fear, worry and anxiety are a normal part of being human (in fact they are essential for our survival) but when they impair our wellbeing, or disrupt our day-to-day lives and health, we need help. As parents, we need to guide our children to better understand and manage these feelings, and to recognise when they might need extra support.

The pace of our world doesn't help... I firmly believe that much of the stress and anxiety present in children's lives comes from hidden pressures and overzealous expectations of well-meaning parents and teachers. Adults want to hurry up the innate and unique development of children in a busy, instant world.

I began noticing increased levels of stress and unhealthy anxiety in children and teens in the early 2000s and this was the major impetus behind writing my first book, Saving Our Children from Our Chaotic World: Teaching Children the Magic of Silence and Stillness. This book is now in its third reprint and our world is certainly more chaotic today than in 2003!

In the resources on this page, I address ways in which we can calm and soothe our children in our homes and classrooms. I also discuss the epidemic of anxiety and ways to support children in managing it.

I've been using creative visualisation techniques since I was a high school teacher and now there is an even greater wealth of research supporting the use of mindfulness and visualisation in stress-reduction. Two tracks that are particularly helpful for younger children experiencing worry or anxiety are my free audio track Safe 'n Sound and a track I've created to help children identify and manage their feelings when their fear/anxiety arises and it is not a necessary response to a dangerous situation. That's called Soothing the Frightened Butterflies.

And if you haven't seen it I have a WHOLE ONLINE COURSE about Calming Our Children & Our Homes... check it out here.

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Anxiety & Fear / Calming Children | Maggie Dent

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Fear, worry and anxiety are a normal part of being human (in fact they are essential for our survival) but when they impair our wellbeing, or disrupt our day-to-day lives and health, we need help. As parents, we need to guide our children to better understand and manage these feelings, and to recognise when they might need extra support.

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Maggie Dent steers you through how you can talk to your children about coronavirus.

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Presenter: Maggie Dent
Producer: Kim Lester
Executive Producer: Justine Kelly
Consulting producer: Carmen Myler
Production support: Jane Curtis and Alex Lollback
Sound Engineer: Ann-Marie Debettencor
Music: Russell Stapleton
Field recordings: Anne-Marie Middlemast

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BONUS-how to talk to kids about coronavirus and guide your family through it

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We've all been impacted by coronavirus. As parents, we're anxious, scared and stressed out about the future and what's going to happen. But we've never had such an important job to do - helping our children through this difficult time, while also looking after ourselves.

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Everything you need to know, in language you can understand.

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By now, you've probably heard about a new, or novel, strain of coronavirus, originally known as novel coronavirus and now called COVID-19.

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected people from many countries around the world. There are lots of people talking about it: health organisations like us, governments, the media, people on social media, your family and friends.

When so many people are talking, it can be tricky to figure out what you need to pay attention to, and sometimes it is hard to understand the information you're being told. We've gathered all the facts you should know about novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As this is a new virus and we are learning things about it all the time, we will make sure we keep this information up-to-date.

The most important thing we want Queenslanders to know is that they should be aware of and informed about novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but not alarmed. We are prepared to tackle novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This information will help you to be prepared, too.

Why did the name change from novel coronavirus to COVID-19, and what is SARS-CoV-2?

When you look at them through a microscope, coronaviruses look kind of like a crown. Corona means crown in Latin, which is how coronaviruses got their name.

At first, we called this virus 'novel coronavirus', which means a new strain of coronavirus. Once scientists figured out exactly what this strain of coronavirus was and how to identify it in tests, they gave it a name: SARS-CoV-2.

When someone gets sick with this virus the illness is called COVID-19. For simplicity, a lot of people are calling the virus and the disease it causes the same name, COVID-19.

What is novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of virus in the coronavirus family that has not been previously identified. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was discovered in 2019 when a higher than normal number of people in Wuhan, China, started to get pneumonia after having an illness similar to the flu. When doctors tested them, they found these people had a type of coronavirus they hadn't seen before. There were already lots of types of coronavirus in the world, but this one was new.

How is it possible to have a new virus that no one has had before?

Viruses are microscopic organisms that can enter a living host (like you) to live and multiply. Think of them like an unwanted guest that shows up unannounced, moves into your house, eats out of your fridge and begins to reproduce.

When a new virus makes its way into your body, your immune system realises that it's not part of your normal bodily system, attacks it and tries to kill it. After that, it remembers the virus, so it can get rid of it straight away if it ever comes knocking again.

Just like any living creature, viruses change themselves to survive in their environment. Over time, they change in ways that makes it hard for our immune systems to recognise them. That's how we end up with new versions of viruses, like this new version of coronavirus. Imagine your unwanted houseguest has come back, but with a wig and new glasses. Your immune system doesn't recognise it, so it gets in the front door before your immune system realises it should fight it off.

What are the symptoms of novel coronavirus?

When you have a virus, it's not actually the virus that makes you sick, but your immune system's efforts to get rid of it. For example, your immune system can raise your body temperature and give you a fever, to make it hot enough to kill a virus. All the hard work your immune system is doing can also use up energy and make you feel tired.

Everyone's body is different, and because symptoms are caused by your immune system and not the virus itself, different people can have slightly different symptoms when they have the same virus, and some people's symptoms will be worse than others.

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness, which means it affects the parts of your body you use to breathe: your nose, throat and lungs. If you're sick with novel coronavirus (COVID-19), your symptoms might include:

How does novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spread and how can I catch it?

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads between people, usually when a sick person coughs or sneezes.

You might catch novel coronavirus (COVID-19) if someone with the virus sneezes or coughs onto you. You could also catch the virus if they have coughed or sneezed onto a surface (like a door handle) that you touch, getting the droplets on your hands and then transferring them to your mouth, nose or eyes when you touch your face or eat.

How can I stop myself from getting it?

Washing your hands often and properly means that you can prevent viruses from entering your body. That means washing your hands when you've been out and about and before you eat (and after you go to the toilet!).

Did you know there are six steps to washing your hands properly? Follow the below steps to make sure you're washing your hands successfully.

Try to stay at least 1.5 metres away from people who are coughing or sneezing. Even if they don't have novel coronavirus (COVID-19), they might have germs you don't want anyway!

We are now asking all Queenslanders to follow social distancing practices:

Stay home as much as possible.

Keep 1.5 metres away from others as much as possible.

Avoid shaking hands, kissing or hugging others.

If you can, work from home.

Avoid gatherings that aren't essential.

You can find more information in our blog, How does novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spread and how can I stop myself from catching it.

Is there anything else I can do to make myself less likely to catch novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

You might have heard that things like eating lots of garlic, taking extra vitamins, doing certain exercises, or burning heaps of essential oils can stop you from catching novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This isn't true.

Looking after yourself by eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, sleeping well and reducing stress is important all the time, not just when you're trying to avoid getting sick, so we recommend you keep these healthy habits in mind every day.

Should I be wearing a facemask to protect myself from novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

You might have seen people in public wearing facemasks lately, and wondered if you should, too. There isn't any evidence that wearing a facemask will stop you from catching a virus like novel coronavirus (COVID-19), so if you're well, you don't need to wear a facemask.

If you're sick with symptoms of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and you have a facemask, you should wear this when you go to medical appointments. This is to protect others from contracting novel coronavirus (COVID-19) from you.

Why isn't there a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine yet?

For some viruses, we use vaccines to teach your immune system what the virus looks like. As novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is so new, we don't have a vaccine for it yet. It's being worked on by teams all over the world, but it takes quite a long time to make a safe vaccine that works well.

In the meantime, you can protect yourself from catching novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by washing your hands properly, covering your mouth and nose every time you cough or sneeze, throwing used tissues in the bin, staying at least 1.5 metres away from others and protecting others by staying home if you are sick.

I think I might have novel coronavirus (COVID-19) - what should I do?

If you have symptoms of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and have travelled overseas in the past 14 days, or have been in contact with someone who has novel coronavirus (COVID-19), you need to see a doctor immediately. Before your appointment, call ahead and tell the staff what your symptoms are and tell them your travel history or that you may have been in contact with a potential case of coronavirus.

I think I have novel coronavirus (COVID-19) but I haven't been overseas and I haven't been near someone who has it

The people most at risk of having novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are those who have been overseas in the past 14 days, where they might have come into contact with someone with the virus, or people who know they've come into contact with a person who has novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you haven't done either of these things but you're feeling unwell, you might have novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but right now it's more likely you'll have a different illness, like a cold or influenza. If you think you need to see a doctor because you feel unwell, you should go to the doctor as normal or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for health advice.

Who is at most risk of catching novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Because it's a new virus, everyone is at risk of catching novel coronavirus (COVID-19), because our immune systems don't recognise it yet. This is why everyone around the world is trying so hard to make sure that people with the virus don't pass it on to others.

This doesn't mean that everyone is going to get novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but it does mean we all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and others well. The more everyone follows the advice to wash their hands often and properly, stay at home as much as possible, and stay home when they're sick, the fewer people will catch this virus.

Who is most at risk of getting seriously unwell from novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

In countries like China, where there has been the most cases novel coronavirus (COVID-19), people who have become seriously unwell have been elderly (over 70-years-old) or have already had a health condition like a high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, or are immunocompromised.

We haven't had many cases in Queensland yet, so it's too early to tell exactly how this virus will affect Queenslanders. We expect that most people in Queensland who catch novel coronavirus (COVID-19) will experience a mild illness, like a cold, that lasts a few weeks.

Does novel coronavirus (COVID-19) kill people?

A small percentage of people who have contracted the virus around the world have died, which is one major reason that everyone is taking this virus so seriously. It's too early to tell what percentage Queenslanders who get the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) may die.

I'm pregnant - am I or is my baby at extra risk of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

There haven't yet been comprehensive studies that show the effect of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on pregnant women and their babies - it's simply too early to have this information.

If you are pregnant, you should continue to take good care of your health, which you're probably already doing. Just like everyone else, we want you to wash your hands and keep your distance from people other people, especially those who are coughing or sneezing, or who you know to be sick. Seek medical attention if you experience any signs of illness at any time during your pregnancy.

Can I still go to the hospital for my appointment or if I'm sick?

You should still attend hospital and doctor appointments as normal during this time unless contacted by the hospital and told otherwise. You should always go to your closest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance in an emergency.

At hospitals and clinics, we're very good at keeping people with infectious diseases away from everyone else and are taking a lot of precautions with anyone who might have novel coronavirus (COVID-19). What we're not able to do is provide health advice and treatment to people who aren't at their appointments. If there is any reason for you not to attend your appointment, you will be told.

What is a pandemic?

Epidemics happen when a lot of people in one community get an infectious disease (a disease that can be caught from others). A pandemic happens when there are multiple epidemics of the same disease in communities across the world.

The World Health Organizatio n classes the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic on 11 March, 2020.

Should I be preparing myself and my home to ride out the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic?

Epidemics and pandemics can affect many parts of our lives and the way normal systems are run. In Australia, you will have advanced notice if you need to do anything out of the ordinary to prepare for an epidemic or pandemic and should follow the advice of public health officials.

It's wise to always have some extra food at home and other supplies like medications and baby needs or pet food, however there is no need to excessively stockpile anything. Queenslanders can prepare an emergency kit to last for 14 days that contains non-perishable food, medications and other supplies like baby needs or pet food. Emergency kits are good practice in preparation for any natural disaster or emergency situation.

Remember, the best things you can do right now are keep up-to-date with our information, wash your hands often and properly, stay 1.5 metres away from other people, and stay home if you're sick.

Can I travel overseas, interstate or within Queensland?

The Australian Government has advised that Australians should not travel overseas at this time, and those who are overseas should return home as soon as possible. You can read more about overseas travel advice on Smartraveller.

The Queensland Government will be restricting travel into the state from midnight Wednesday 25 March, 2020. Other state and territory governments have introduced similar restrictions. Queenslanders are encouraged to not travel throughout the state and to stay close to home.

We understand everyone wants to go on their holiday, see their family and friends, and attend planned events. At this time, doing so could put your life and the lives of others at risk. We are relying on everyone to do their bit and follow this advice to help slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

I'm feeling scared/overwhelmed/worried/anxious about novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

It's totally normal to feel concerned when big events happen in the world. All the news headlines, official government press conferences, and stories from family and friends can seem scary.

We have tips in our blog post about how to look after your mental wellbeing in a crisis, including taking time to switch off and focusing on the things you can control, rather than worrying about things you can't control. Washing your hands properly and often is the number one thing you can do to protect your health. Stay away from others, especially staying at home if you're sick, is the best thing you can do to protect others.

If you're feeling scared, worried or upset for two weeks or more, or how you are feeling is distracting you from going about your normal routines, it's worth speaking to someone about it - either someone close to you or a medical professional.

More information
Queensland Health: Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Direct: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Contact tracing for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) - how it's done in Queensland I have novel coronavirus (COVID-19) - now what?

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Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) - everything you need to know, in language you can understand

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By now, you've probably heard about a new, or novel, strain of coronavirus, originally known as novel coronavirus and now called COVID-19. Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected people from many countries around the world. There are lots of people talking about it: health organisations like us, governments, the media, people on social media, your family and friends.

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Are you worried about novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

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Kids Helpline | Phone & Web Counselling | Ages 5-25

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How parents can help their kids manage COVID-19 anxiety

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How parents can help their kids manage COVID-19 anxiety

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Anxiety levels are high for everyone at the moment. For us as adults and as parents it's a time of unprecedented uncertainty where the ripple effect of the impact of COVID-19 on closures, product availability, travel bans, income, loved ones, connection, work, businesses, politics, healthcare and mental health (to name a few) will affect all of us in some way for the foreseeable future. Anxiety is our brain and body's reaction to anticipated threat so it's natural for it to be affecting each and every one of us in some way at the moment.

What we as adults have at our disposal, and what our kids lack, is the ability to maintain perspective on the news. We can seek out trusted information to help us understand the facts so we're less affected by inflammatory media. Our kids are hearing us talk about it, they're seeing spare rooms filled with toilet rolls, they're watching class numbers diminish or are staying home from school. They're seeing snippets of the news or even regular news updates and they're talking about it with their friends in class. One primary school reported a new game where kids had to play dead if they got tagged in a game called Coronavirus. For children who do go looking for answers, they're likely to stumble across media that could amplify their anxiety rather than help to settle it down.

There's a lot we can do as parents to help our kids through such a difficult time, here are important ways you can help them:
Manage your own anxiety
Understand that anxiety is contagious too. Our kids are looking to us and how we are responding, we need to be mindful of what we say and do in front of our kids at the moment. If you're struggling with your own anxiety and mental health right now, maintain your usual coping strategies and add in more. Do you need distraction or self-soothing? Write yourself out a list of ideas to help you to manage your mental health. Connect with the people that can support you too. Avoid panicking when your kids are around but please make sure you're being supported to cope.
Start with what your child already knows
Start where your kids are at when it comes to discussing the virus. If they're under 6 and know nothing of the virus, leave it that way for now. Of course, if they have questions answer honestly but don't give them more than they're asking for. For kids that do know about the virus some will have heard tales of death and panic while others might be curious to know why their favourite flavour of baked beans isn't in the pantry. Find out what they know and give honest responses that are age appropriate. Above all, don't be afraid to talk about it, they'll worry more when their 'what if's' are left unanswered.
Validate how they feel
When we're anxious or fearful there's nothing worse than when someone says 'don't worry' or 'no need to be upset'. What we all need, and especially our kids, is for someone to say 'I get it', 'I understand this is hard for you right now' or 'I've felt like that too, not much fun eh?' Empathy is so important for us to share with each other right now but especially our anxious kids. What naturally follows after empathy is compassion, a warm and nurturing response to the suffering our children are experiencing. We know this helps our kids to cope much better when facing challenges, it shows them we see them, we hear them and we're here for them.
Help your children to remain present
Anxiety builds when we're future focussed and worrying about all of the 'what if's'. By helping our kids remain focussed in the present we're bringing their minds back to a place of calm amidst the storm. Playing games, doing crosswords, dancing to music, learning something new, solving puzzles, being creative. All of these bring future focussed worried minds back to the here and now.
Progressive Relaxation
When we're anxious our bodies tense up. It's because our muscles are primed and ready for us to fight or flee imminent danger. Yet, because the danger is psychological, we don't move, the tension builds and awful anxious feelings hang around much longer than they would if we use relaxation strategies. Progressive relaxation is a series of movements we can take our children through. I often teach progressive relaxation from the toes to the noes. You can start by asking your child(ren) to lie down on the floor, eyes closed and ears open! Ask them to start by curling their toes to tighten the muscles and joints, next they let their toes relax and notice how different that part of the body feels. The pre-tension amplifies the relaxation that follows. Continue with tension and relaxation slowly up the body and get creative. By the time you ask them to shrug their shoulders you might get them to picture being a turtle pulling its head back into its shell. There are some wonderful online progressive relaxation audio tracks. We really like this one in our family.
Mindfulness
I wrote earlier about the importance of being present, it's a balm for an anxious mind but it's also a skill to learn. When we put our attention in the present moment it will readily drift back to other things we have on our mind. The objective of mindfulness is not to empty your mind or to expect to remain present every single moment, it's about purposefully paying attention to the present moment, noticing when your mind has wandered, thanking your mind for doing what minds do, and then returning your attention back to the mindfulness exercise. This will happen again and again and again. Over time and with practice, wandering thoughts become less sticky and our minds wander less to begin with. It's a skill that can bring our children a sense of calm, relaxation, contentment and equanimity. Since mindfulness is about paying attention on purpose the ways you can introduce it are endless. You might start by asking your child(ren) to lie down and close their eyes, paying attention to all they can hear for a minute or two. Start with short mindfulness exercises and increase the length of the exercises over time. There are some great apps to help you, try Smiling Mind, Headspace for kids and Calm. Mindfulness practiced regularly over time reduces the reactivity of our brains alarm system, reducing stress and anxiety.
Breathing
The part of the brain that sounds the alarm when danger is detected is called the amygdala. One of the tangible ways we can show our brain we're safe is through deliberate breathing using our diaphragm. Breathing is a powerful antidote to anxiety, helping us to shift control of our physiology from the predominant 'fight or flight' branch of the nervous system to the 'rest and digest' branch that enables us to think more clearly and feel more calm and centred. What you'll find is that the mindfulness apps I suggested above have wonderful guided breathing mindfulness exercises that combine the power of mindfulness and breathing in one. It's no coincidence that often our first advice to anyone feeling highly stressed or anxious is to take a deep breath.

Sending huge virtual hugs to each and every one of you. Take care and stay connected to your loved ones, to each other and to the people in your community. Tough times do pass, this is no different.

Jodi x

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How parents can help their kids manage COVID-19 anxiety - Dr Jodi Richardson

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Anxiety levels are high for everyone at the moment. For us as adults and as parents it's a time of unprecedented uncertainty where the ripple effect of the impact of COVID-19 on closures, product availability, travel bans, income, loved ones, connection, work, businesses, politics, healthcare ...

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Dr Xand and Dr Chris answer your coronavirus questions

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Dr Xand and Dr Chris answer your coronavirus questions

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You've sent us in lots of questions about coronavirus so we've taken them to the experts.

Coronavirus is a new flu-like virus spreading around the world. The virus causes an illness called Covid-19.

Dr Xand and Dr Chris from Operation Ouch went with Newsround to a school in London to answer as many of your questions about the virus as possible.

Here's what they said.

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Dr Xand and Dr Chris answer your coronavirus questions - CBBC Newsround

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You've sent us in lots of questions about coronavirus so we've taken them to the experts. Coronavirus is a new flu-like virus spreading around the world. The virus causes an illness called Covid-19. Dr Xand and Dr Chris from Operation Ouch went with Newsround to a school in London to answer as many of your questions about the virus as possible.

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Primary Students ask ABC’s BTN their Coronavirus questions

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Primary Students ask ABC’s BTN their Coronavirus questions

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KID 1: When and where was the first COVID-19 cases recorded?

The first cases of the virus were in Wuhan in China at the end of last year. Like other new coronaviruses it was almost certainly passed to a human from an animal, probably a bat.

KID 2: How does it affect the human body or make you sick?

The symptoms might include fever, cough, runny nose and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, it can cause pneumonia which is an infection of the lungs that it can make it difficult to breathe. But it's important to remember that most cases are mild and not much different to a common cold. In fact, some people who have tested positive for COVID-19 haven't had any symptoms at all.

KID 3: Can face masks protect you from the coronavirus?

While masks can stop people from spreading the disease, doctors say we shouldn't be wearing them if we're not sick.

DR NORMAN SWAN: Masks are pointless. Your chances of walking past a person with the illness or being on the same train or bus as them are not much higher than winning the lottery so by wearing masks you're unnecessarily using a resource that's needed for health workers who'll be directly exposed to infected patients and needed for people with the illness to cut the chances of them spreading it.

KID 4: What is the mortality rate of the coronavirus?

Wow. That's a good question. The mortality rate is the percentage of people who die when they get the virus. The World Health Organisation says it's about 3.4 per cent although it could be lower than that. While it's still a fair bit more deadly than the seasonal flu, most people who get coronavirus have a really mild case and the good news for you guys is that kids are much less likely to get sick.

KID 4: How long can the coronavirus live outside of the human body?

While it passes much more easily from person to person, scientists reckon human coronavirus can live on surfaces for up to 9 days. The germs can be killed pretty easily though with common disinfectants.

KID 5: As an Australian, should I be concerned about the coronavirus spreading around Australia?

There are already cases in Australia and the government says it is likely to spread which is why they're getting ready.

SCOTT MORRISON, PRIME MINISTER AUSTRALIA: We've got ahead of this early, we intend to stay ahead of this.

Authorities are trying to limit the spread as much as possible by keeping close track of who's got the virus and who they've come into contact with.

KID 6: Are the government going to cancel school in Australia?

At the moment that's not really necessary because it hasn't spread that much in Australia. But it could happen. A few schools have already been closed in Sydney because students got the virus.

KID 7: Should I stock up on water, food and toilet paper?

Yeah so last week people got a little bit over the top with the toilet paper thing.

SENATE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Removing all of the lavatory paper from the shelves of supermarkets probably isn't a proportionate or sensible thing to do.

While experts say it's not a bad idea to have a couple of weeks' worth of food in the cupboard just in case you need to quarantine yourself, we won't run out of food and there is no need to panic.

KID 8: How many people have the coronavirus?

That's a tricky one because it's changing all the time but around the world it's more than a hundred thousand. Although, heaps of those are now better.

KID 9: What should you do if you get the symptoms?

The government says if you think you might have COVID-19 you should talk to a doctor. But make sure you call first and let them know so everyone can take precautions and make sure you don't spread it. The government says you should also put a mask on before you see anyone.

KID 9: Will antibiotics help treat the virus?

No, antibiotics are used to kill bacteria and COVID-19 is a virus.

KID 10: Is there going to be any cure for the coronavirus?

Hopefully. All around the world scientists are working to find a vaccine and they've already had some breakthroughs. Researchers at the University of Queensland are testing a new vaccine on animals and there are also other tests going on. It will be a while before anything hits the shelves though so in the meantime the best advice is to stay calm, practice good hygiene and look after each other.

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KID 1: When and where was the first COVID-19 cases recorded? The first cases of the virus were in Wuhan in China at the end of last year. Like other new coronaviruses it was almost certainly passed to a human from an animal, probably a bat.

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8 tips on what to tell your kids about coronavirus

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8 tips on what to tell your kids about coronavirus

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As the number of new cases of coronavirus infection continue to rise the impact is now being felt in schools in Australia. At least four closed due to students and a staff member testing positive for the virus. Most international travel by Queensland students is also banned.

It's therefore important for parents to be there for their children to ease any concerns they may have about the virus and how it could affect them.

One thing to note is the number of reported infection cases in children remains low: of more than 44,000 confirmed cases from China, only 416 (less than 1%) were aged nine years or younger. No deaths were reported in this age group.

Read more: Worried about your child getting coronavirus? Here's what you need to know

Children are either being infected less or exhibit milder symptoms, but they may still play an important role in transmitting the virus.

So here's some advice for parents to help them and their children stay informed.

1. Control during uncertainty

The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causes the disease COVID-19, which can be like a common cold but it can also have more serious complications. Signs of infection may include: fever, cough and shortness of breath. More severe cases can involve pneumonia, kidney failure and even death.

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 has not yet been declared a pandemic but the Australian government has said it's operating on the basis that it has.

One reason people experience anxiety during a pandemic is uncertainty about its impact. Research during the 2009 swine flu (H1N1) pandemic found those people who struggled with uncertainty were more likely to see the pandemic as threatening, and this can lead to increased levels of anxiety.

One way to provide our children with certainty in uncertain times is with facts, for example, telling them the evidence so far shows children are less likely to experience severe symptoms than older adults.

You can also help them gain a sense of control by giving them strategies to help prevent them catching the virus.

2. Practise good hygiene

The World Health Organisation ( WHO) says we should channel our concern into good hygiene.

Encourage your children to wash their hands with soap and water frequently (particularly after going to the toilet, coming from a public place, and before and after eating).

Children should also use a tissue to sneeze into and put the tissue in the bin afterwards.

3. Be careful with the news media

A quick scan of the news brings up headlines such as "Australia's coronavirus death rate could proportionally be worse than China's, expert warns". This report even includes a graph showing "How likely are you to die from Coronavirus?"

Exposing children to such reports can increase their fear and anxiety.

There is a clear and strong relationship between what children see as threatening information in the media and their level of fear.

So be careful with what news media your children are exposed to. Try to watch, listen or read it with them so you are there for any questions they may have.

4. Stay with the facts

When answering such questions, use information from the World Health Organisation and other trustworthy sources to inform yourself.

Filter some of the incorrect information around preventing COVID-19 (eating garlic, having hot baths) and inform your family with the correct information. Don't be someone who passes on incorrect information to your children or others.

5. Talk about your feelings

It's OK to feel worried. Talking about your feelings of stress can help you work through them.

If you try to push down feelings of stress this can have an impact on your health.

As parents you only have to listen and hear your child's concerns. You can't promise things will be safe or certain. But you can assure them that as a family you will work together to manage whatever comes up in the future and that you are there to listen to them.

6. Don't pass on your fear

Research from the 2009 Swine Flu pandemic showed children's fear of the disease was significantly related to their parents' fear of the disease.

This effect of parents passing on fear even exists when there is nothing to fear. Research showed if parents get negative information about something that is harmless, they are more likely to pass on those negative beliefs to their children and increase their level of fear.

So even if you feel stressed about COVID-19, you need to make sure you don't pass on this fear to your children. Show them you are calm. Don't be a carrier for fear.

7. Keep on living life

It is easy to get swept away with panic about the future and what may happen. But being future-focused only contributes to anxiety.

Help your child to focus on the now and what they are doing today. These things are in their control - work hard at school, train for basketball. Continue their routine and enjoy the moments.

Read more: Coronavirus fears can trigger anti-Chinese prejudice. Here's how schools can help

8. Work together

This is not a time to be selfish, but to work together and support one another.

Be kind to others (don't steal their toilet paper) and encourage your children to be kind to others as well.

Being less self-focused helps to alleviate stress and give life more meaning and purpose.

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8 tips on what to tell your kids about coronavirus

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As the number of new cases of coronavirus infection continue to rise the impact is now being felt in schools in Australia. At least four closed due to students and a staff member testing positive for the virus. Most international travel by Queensland students is also banned.

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https://www.mindheart.co/descargables

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My Child is Struggling Because Everything Is Being Cancelled

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My Child is Struggling Because Everything Is Being Cancelled

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By: Dr Justin Coulson
We're living in unprecedented times. Offices are shut, streets are increasingly empty, and some people are locking themselves away. The uncertainty that we are grappling with is challenging enough for us as adults, but it's also hard on our children.
School fetes and discos have been postponed, sports are off the table, and even play dates are increasingly frowned upon. And, to top it off, the Easter Show has been cancelled.

As adults we might be tempted to say to our disappointed child, 'the school disco is really not a big deal', but that's not true for our kids. It's not just the cancelled fete or formal. It's not just the stoppage of school and social activities. It's the sudden unpredictability of life. Our kids just don't understand what is happening. They don't understand why they're missing out. And it's even worse since they aren't actually sick (and for most of them, neither is anyone they know)!

Even for us, as adults. It's a little bit hard to grasp. Most of us acknowledge that we have to work hard at 'flattening the curve'. We get the need to protect others who may be more at risk than ourselves. But for some, it's a hard thing to explain to our children.
Here are six tips on how to do it.
Talk about how some people's bodies aren't as strong as others

We want to teach our children that this crisis isn't about survival of the fittest. It's about protection of the weakest. Show them the famous photograph of the long line of wolves travelling through the snow. Explain that the wolf in front is one of the strongest wolves, and she's pushing through the snow so that the other wolves have an easier time following.

In the same way we have to do some hard things (like giving up the Easter Show!) so that others who aren't as strong as us have an easier time staying well.

Give practical tips

Explain how germs travel and spread. Try this object lesson:

Put some pepper in a bowl of water. Have your child dip their finger into the pepper. When they pull their finger out, they'll see pepper grains clinging to their skin. Then have them put soap on their finger and ask them to put it back in the water. They'll see that the pepper races away from the soap. It's fascinating to watch. Try it!

This object lessons shows what germs do when we wash properly and how good hygiene can stop the spread of diseases.

Let them help

It's important to explain that it's everyone's responsibility to protect others by doing what we can not to spread germs. This works with our kids because doing things for others makes us feel good. Research utilising fMRI technology shows that altruism actually activates the same parts of the brain that are stimulated by food and sex.

So let them help. Brainstorm some ideas together. Can you drop a meal off to someone more at risk? Can you deliver toilet paper to the elderly in your neighbourhood like so many children in neighbourhoods around the country? Is there an acquaintance that is feeling lonely that could use a phone call?

Letting our children get involved and help also gives them a sense of control. Having a strong sense of control is associated with positive mental outcomes, and less anxiety and depression, particularly important in these trying times.

Focus on gratitude

If your children are still struggling, focus on gratitude. Feeling grateful increases wellbeing, and can stave off feelings of hurt, disappointment, and anxiety. So ask them, what do they have that they're grateful for? Talk about the things that you're grateful for - a safe home, a loving family, toys, friends, BBQs and trampolines. Switch the mindset from what is lacking to what is abundant.

Embrace the opportunities

Rebecca Solnit, a human rights activist who wrote A Paradise Built in Hell, reminds us that disasters are opportunities as well as oppressions. For example, we may soon have a lot more time together as families. Take the opportunity to do those things you've always wanted to do with your kids. Learn to make pasta or build a fort in the garden. It may not be a perfect situation but embracing the change is much better than focusing on the negatives.

Remember that though a lot of things have been cancelled, life hasn't.

Have hope

This is a hopeful time. Yes, there are concerns. It's true that economically, this is a breathtakingly brutal time. Jobs are being lost. Industries are closing. The dollar is tanking. And people are dying.

But we are going through changes that will make the world a better place. We are going to see massive disruptions to the way we do things that will ultimately improve who we are. Right now there are people out there working on solutions that will revolutionise aspects to how we live.

How will we respond? How can we share that with our children? Can we show our kids that even if our business crumbles, we won't? Can we be resilient enough to stop asking "why me?" when things go wrong, and instead stand tall and say "try me?"

These choices matter. Let's stand tall, have hope, and set a resilient example for our children.

Article supplied with thanks to Happy Families.

About the Author: A sought after public speaker and author, and former radio broadcaster, Justin has a psychology degree from the University of Queensland and a PhD in psychology from the University of Wollongong.

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My Child is Struggling Because Everything Is Being Cancelled - 96five Family Radio

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By: Dr Justin Coulson We're living in unprecedented times. Offices are shut, streets are increasingly empty, and some people are locking themselves away. The uncertainty that we are grappling with is challenging enough for us as adults, but it's also hard on our children.