Australia is ready to face Stage 3 lock down, government is still under consideration but, we must prepare upcoming Stage 3 announcement to prevent from further financial crisis for individuals.
5 start hotel located in heart of Sydney CBD, near Westfield tower, have been placed as alternative isolated home facility for those who has positive COVID-19, mostly from overseas or trying to return to their home countries.
But WHY does isolation place has to be set in heart of Sydney CBD, the location where many people can be found which may increase possibility of spreading virus further?
Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. That splash-under-water flick won’t cut it anymore.
How to Do IT
A refresher:
Wet your hands and scrub them with soap, taking care to get between your fingers and under your nails.
Wash for at least 20 seconds (or about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice), and dry.
Make sure you get your thumbs, too.
The C.D.C. also recommends you avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands (tough one, we know).
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which should be rubbed in for about 20 seconds, can also work, but the gel must contain at least 60 percent alcohol. (No, Tito’s Handmade Vodka doesn’t work.)
Additional Guidelines
Also, clean “high-touch” surfaces, like phones, tablets and handles. Apple recommends using 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, wiping gently. “Don’t use bleach,” the company said.
To disinfect any surface, the C.D.C. recommends wearing disposable gloves and washing hands thoroughly immediately after removing the gloves. Most household disinfectants registered by the Environmental Protection Agency will work.
Try to stand away from other people, especially if they seem sick. Wave, bow or give an elbow bump, rather than shake hands. Maybe skip the kiss on the first date.
The lead epidemiologist, behind a report that prompted the British government to ramp up its coronavirus response has developed a fever and entered into self-quarantine, he wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.
The scientist, Neil Ferguson, and his colleagues at Imperial College warned that an uncontrolled spread of the disease could cause as many as 510,000 deaths in Britain. Using mathematical modeling, the report also predicted that the virus would overwhelm hospitals and that governments had no choice but to impose lockdown policies.
American officials said the report, which projected up to 2.2 million deaths in the United States from such a spread, also influenced the White House to strengthen its measures to isolate members of the public.
Dr. Ferguson blamed his own sickness on a density of infections.
“There is a lot of Covid-19 in Westminster,” he wrote. According to Public Health England data on Wednesday, 58 cases have been reported in this particular district.
Australian officials on Wednesday announced a ban on non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 people or more, warned Australians against traveling abroad and visiting nursing homes, but opted to keep schools open amid the outbreak.
Keep Australia Running
There are now 454 cases of coronavirus in Australia, which places the country among the twenty countries reporting the most cases. Concerns about flattening the growth curve have been intensifying, but Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he hoped to minimize economic damage.
“We are going to keep Australia running,” Mr Morrison said, citing a contrast with Italy, where total shutdowns have taken place. “It won’t look like it normally does, but it is very important that we continue to put in place measures that are scalable and sustainable.”
No Outdoor Gatherings of 500 People
The restrictions on indoor gatherings come on the heels of a ban on outdoor gatherings of 500 people or more, but they stop short of a total shutdown. Restaurants and pubs are expected to establish patron limits or suspend operations.
Nursing homes will also face new limits: Anyone who has been overseas or in contact with an infected person within 14 days will be banned from visiting, and residents will be allowed to receive only one visit a day, with no more than two people visiting at a time.
Schools will Remain Open
Keeping schools open, Mr. Morrison said, would help both families and the economy. “The disruption that would occur from the closure of schools around this country, make no mistake, would be severe,” he said. “What do I mean by severe? Tens of thousands of jobs could be lost, if not more.”
Information for residents of residential aged care services, their family members and visitors
People who have returned from a country or region that is at high or moderate risk for COVID-19 should monitor their health closely. If you develop symptoms including a fever and cough you should isolate yourself immediately and urgently seek medical attention. Go to Australian International Traveller guidelines to know what to do if you just came from overseas.
People who think they may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, should also monitor their health and seek urgent medical attention.
You should not visit an aged care facility if you are feeling unwell. Older people are more at risk of both contracting COVID-19, and having a serious illness as a result.
Who needs to isolate?
Specific requirements are in place for people who have returned from a country or region that is at high or moderate risk for COVID-19, or think may they have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus. This information sheet should be read in conjunction with the ‘What you need to know’ and ‘Isolation guidance’ information sheets.
Residential aged care services
Residents of aged care facilities are advised that if any family members or visitors meet the restrictions, residents will not be able to have these visitors. These visitors will need to be isolated in their own homes.
Residential aged care facilities have been advised to have appropriate precautions in place to ensure residents continue to remain safe from coronavirus. These precautions include monitoring for coronavirus, assessment, testing and having space and resources prepared in the unlikely event a resident needs to be isolated.
What does it mean to be isolated?
If you are a resident and need to be isolated, you will be placed in a single room away from other residents and will not be allowed to see visitors. Health care and residential care workers will continue to provide support and care while you are isolated. If you need to leave your room, such as to seek medical care, you will be required to wear a surgical mask, which will be provided by health care workers. There is no need for any healthy resident to wear a mask.
If you are a family member or visitor who needs to be isolated, refer to ‘Isolation guidance’ information sheets.
How can we help prevent the spread of coronavirus?
Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against most viruses. You should:
wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet
cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser
and if unwell, avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from people).
Information for schools and early childhood centres, students and their parents
People who have returned from a country or region that is at high or moderate risk for COVID-19 should monitor their health closely. If you develop symptoms including a fever and cough you should isolate yourself immediately and urgently seek medical attention. Go to Australian International Traveller guidelines to know what to do if you just came from overseas.
People who think they may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus should also monitor their health and seek urgent medical attention.
Can students or staff members attend schools and early childhood centres?
Specific requirements are in place for people who have returned from a country or region that is at high or moderate risk for COVID-19, or think may they have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus.
The relevant school or childcare centre should be notified. Students may want to seek alternate arrangements for remote learning keeping in mind the isolation period, provided the person remains well, is a maximum of 14 days.
What does isolate in your home mean?
People who need to isolate must stay at home and not attend public places, in particular work, school, childcare or university. Only people they usually live in the household with should be in the home.
Do not see visitors. Where possible, ask others such as friends or family, who are not required to be isolated, to get food or other necessities. If the person in isolation must leave the home or residence, such as to seek medical care, they are instructed to wear a surgical mask if they have one.
What if a student or staff member becomes sick while in isolation?
Symptoms include (but are not limited to) fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.
If a student/staff member develops mild symptoms, they must:
Isolate themselves from others at home and use a separate bathroom if available;
Put on a surgical mask and if they don’t have one, practise good sneeze/cough hygiene;
Practise good hand hygiene; and
Call a doctor or hospital and tell them the recent travel or close contact history.
If they have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing:
Call 000, ask for an ambulance and notify the officers of the recent travel or close contact history.
If unwell, staff and students should be excluded from attending the school or early childcare centre until they are assessed by their primary care provider. The primary care provider will liaise with the local public health authority to determine when it is safe for them to return to usual activities.
How can we help prevent the spread of coronavirus?
Practising good sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against most viruses. You should:
wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet
cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser
and if unwell, avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from people).
There is currently a global outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
If you have returned from a country or region that is at higher risk for COVID-19, you need to follow the instructions below. Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses and include fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, tiredness and difficulty breathing. This information sheet should be read in conjunction with the ‘What you need to know’ and ‘Isolation guidance’ information sheets.
What do I do if I am well?
If you have returned from a country or region that is at higher risk for COVID-19, monitor your health for the next 14 days. You can attend work unless you work in a setting with vulnerable people.
For the best protection of those around you, travellers from higher risk countries should practise social distancing and avoid crowds for 14 days after leaving the higher risk country or region. Social distancing means keeping a distance of 1.5m between you and other people when out and about in public.
Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against most viruses:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet.
Cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand rub.
What do I do if I am sick right now?
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, let a member of the airline or ship crew know now. If you are in the airport or seaport contact a biosecurity officer now.
What do I do if I get sick while in Australia?
If you become unwell, you must go home or to your accommodation immediately and:
Isolate yourself from others and use a separate bathroom if available.
Put on a surgical mask if you are near other people and if you don’t have one, cover your cough and sneeze.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and use alcohol-based hand rub.
Seek medical testing for COVID-19. Call in advance before attending a medical facility and tell the staff about your recent travel history.
If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000, ask for an ambulance and notify the ambulance officers of your recent travel history.
1. Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. The most effective way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water.
2. Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease
Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that coud occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
3. The new coronavirus cannot be transmitted through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting COVID-19 cases.
Even though the new coronavirus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days (depending on the type of surface), it is very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after it has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures. If you think a surface may be contaminated, use a disinfectant to clean it. After touching it, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
4. The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.
5. Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
6. Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new coronavirus?
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
7. How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the new coronavirus?
Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus.
However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. This is because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.
8. Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
9. Can pets at home spread the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets. This protects you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans.
10. Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?
No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.
The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against 2019-nCoV, and WHO is supporting their efforts.
Although these vaccines are not effective against 2019-nCoV, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.
11. Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.
There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold. However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.
12. Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.
13. Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
14. Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.
However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
15. Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus?
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care. Some specific treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range or partners.
If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask
Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
You have been identified as being at risk of infection with the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and you have now developed symptoms. You must isolate yourself in your home or health care setting until Public Health authorities inform you it is safe for you to return to your usual activities.
Please read this information carefully.
What does isolate yourself in your home mean?
People who are recommended to be isolated should not attend public places, in particular work, school, childcare or university. Only people who usually live in the household should be in the home. Do not allow visitors into the home. There is no need to wear masks in the home. Where possible, get others such as friends or family, who are not required to be isolated to get food or other necessities for you. If you must leave the home, such as to seek medical care, wear a surgical mask if you have one.
What is this virus?
Coronaviruses can make humans and animals sick. Some coronaviruses can cause illness similar to the common cold and others can cause more serious diseases, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
The virus seen in mainland China is called ‘novel’ because it is new. It has not been detected before this outbreak. Most people currently infected live in, or have travelled to mainland China. There have been some cases of 2019-nCoV reported in other countries. It is likely that the virus originally came from an animal, and there is now evidence that it can spread from person-to-person.
How is the virus spread?
The virus is most likely to spread from person to person through:
direct contact with a person whilst they are infectious;
contact with droplets when a person with a confirmed infection coughs or sneezes; or
touching objects or surfaces (such as doorknobs or tables) that were contaminated by droplets from secretions coughed or sneezed from a person with a confirmed infection, and then touching your mouth or face.
Close contacts of a person with a confirmed infection (such as people staying in the same house or sharing a closed space for a prolonged length of time) are most at risk of infection.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can include (but are not limited to) fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath.
For how long can a person spread the infection to other people?
The length of time that a person is infectious, that is, can spread the infection to others, is not yet known. However, there has been emerging evidence of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic infection and pre-symptomatic transmission in at least one case cluster. It is therefore likely that a person can spread the infection from before the time they first develop symptoms until up to one day after symptoms stop.
What happens now?
Your doctor will arrange for you to be tested for the infection. It may take a few days for the test results to be returned.
If your symptoms are serious you will remain in hospital isolated from other patients to prevent further spread of the virus.
If your doctor says you are well enough to return home while you are waiting for your test results:
remain in your home and do not attend work or school;
wash your hands often with soap and water;
cough and sneeze into your elbow;
avoid cooking for or caring for other members of your household; and
wear a mask (provided by your doctor) if close contact with other people is unavoidable.
Public Health officers will make contact with you each day to check on your condition and provide you with a phone number to contact if you have questions.
Your family and other close contacts do not need to remain isolated unless they develop symptoms. If they develop symptoms, they must return home and contact the Public Health Unit.
What happens if my test is negative?
You no longer need to remain in isolation. You may return to normal activities on the advice of Public Health authorities. You should continue to carefully monitor your health for up to 14 days after your last contact with the confirmed case. Report any new or returning symptoms to Public Health in this period. You may be required to be tested again.
What happens if my test is positive?
You must remain in your home or accommodation until Public Health officers advise that it is safe to return to normal activities. This will normally be 1 day after your symptoms end.
If your condition deteriorates, seek medical attention:
Notify the Public Health officers managing your care by calling the number provided to you;
Follow the direction of the Public Health officers who may advise you to go to a doctor’s surgery or a hospital;
Call ahead to a doctor or hospital and inform them that you are a confirmed case of novel coronavirus;
Put on the mask provided to you if you need to leave the house;
When you arrive at the doctor’s surgery or hospital, tell them that you are a confirmed case of novel coronavirus.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath:
Call 000 and request an ambulance; and
Inform the ambulance officers that you are a confirmed case of novel coronavirus.
People who you have had contact with including family members and people you live with will need to isolate themselves for 14 days since their last contact with you. More information for close contacts can be found onwww.health.gov.au
How is the infection treated?
There is no specific treatment for 2019-nCoV infection. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. However, most of the symptoms can be treated with supportive medical care. Your doctor will explain this to you.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the Australian Government Department of Health homepage atwww.health.gov.au.
Call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
Contact your state or territory Public Health Authority:
ACT call 02 5124 9213 during business hours or (02) 9962 4155 after hours
