How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person through:
- Close contact with a person while they are infectious or in the 24 hours before their symptoms appeared.
- Close contact with a person with a confirmed infection who coughs or sneezes.
- Touching objects or surfaces (such as door handles or tables) contaminated from a cough or sneeze from a person with confirmed infection, and then touching your mouth or face.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Coronavirus symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia, according to the Federal Government’s website.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other cases of colds and flu and include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Difficulty breathing
What do I do if I develop symptoms?
If you develop symptoms within 14 days of arriving in Australia or within 14 days of having contact with someone who has been confirmed with COVID-19, you should arrange to see your doctor for urgent assessment.
Call your doctor to arrange a time or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. Don’t’ visit a health clinic or hospital without informing them you have symptoms.
Before you arrive, telephone the health clinic or hospital and tell them your travel history or that you have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. You must remain isolated either in your home, hotel or in health care until public health authorities confirm that it is safe for you to return to your usual activities.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.