How is the virus spread?
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It is spread from someone infected with COVID-19 to others who come into close contact with that person through contaminated droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with contaminated hands, surfaces or objects.
The time between when a person is exposed to the virus and when symptoms first appear is typically 5-6 days but may range from 2-14 days. For this reason, people who might have been in contact with a confirmed case are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
Most cases appear to be spread from people who have symptoms. A small number of people may have been infectious before their symptoms developed.
Who is most at risk?
Those who have recently returned from overseas and been in close contact with a confirmed case. Those at greatest risk of serious infection are people with compromised immune systems, diagnosed chronic medical conditions, the elderly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, very young children and babies.
People living in group residential settings, such as aged care facilities and disability group homes, are also at risk of being exposed.
How do I get tested?
NSW Health is recommending people with acute, cold, flu-like symptoms who are returned travellers, or a contact of a confirmed case, be tested for COVID-19.
Infection is diagnosed by finding evidence of the virus in respiratory samples such as swabs from the back of the nose and throat or fluid from the lungs. Samples for testing can be taken directly by GPs, at private pathology sites suitable for collection or at public hospitals.
There is COVID-19 testing clinics at the Calvary Mater, John Hunter and Maitland hospitals.
What should I do if I come into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case?
If you have been identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 the local public health unit will contact you. You need to self-isolate for 14 days after contact with the infected person, monitor your health and report any symptoms.
Spread of coronaviruses generally occurs between people who are close contacts with one another. A close contact is typically someone who has been face to face for at least 15 minutes, or been in the same closed space for at least 2 hours, with a person that was infectious. If your contact with the person was less than this, there is a smaller risk of you being infected. As a precaution you must still monitor your health until 14 days after you were last exposed to the infectious person.
If you develop symptoms including a fever and/or respiratory signs, call ahead to talk to a doctor or healthdirect on 1800 022 222. Tell your doctor that you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19. The doctor may tell you to attend your nearest emergency department. If so, when you arrive, immediately tell staff you have had contact with someone with COVID-19.
How can I protect myself and my family?
The best way to protect yourself is the same as you would against any respiratory infection. Practice good hygiene cleaning your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub, cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow and avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms. Make sure you stay home if you are sick.
Who should practice social distancing?
Everyone should practice social distancing as it reduces the potential for transmission. Social distancing means reducing the number of close physical and social contacts we have with one another. Combining social distancing with good personal hygiene slows the spread of a pandemic. While practising social distancing, people can leave their homes to seek medical care, buy food and supplies, exercise or go to work or education (if you can't do so from home).
This information is from the NSW Health website which is updated regularly with advice, information and guidelines on the coronavirus pandemic.
