Here are some helpful links and information for Australians seeking to find out the latest about the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (formally referred to as 2019 nCoV):
World health Organisation
Facts about the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – WHO:
The number of reported cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) is increasing as more cases are being identified. At the same time, the number of people being tested is increasing, as more countries do systematic testing. It is important to put figures into perspective:
The #coronavirus threatens few compared to familiar flu viruses. Based on its weekly influenza report, the CDC estimates that there have been more than 15 million cases of the flu and more than 8,200 deaths in the 2019-2020 flu season in the U.S. alone.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to update healthcare professionals on evolving facts. You can get the latest information on the WHO website: http://who.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/c88e37cfc43b4ed3baf977d77e4a0667
Australian Government resources:
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources
Travel Advice – China: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/search?search=china
State Governments:
ACT
General Information: https://health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/information-about-novel-coronavirus
ACT health professionals will be updated as required. Please check this information regularly. at: https://www.health.act.gov.au/health-professionals/chief-health-officer-alerts
Victoria
General information: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus
Information for health services and general practitioners – novel coronavirus: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/information-health-services-and-general-practitioners-novel-coronavirus
Information for the public: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/information-public-novel-coronavirus
Information for the education sector: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/information-education-sector-novel-coronavirus
NSW
General information: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx
NT
General information: https://health.nt.gov.au/news/coronavirus
For the latest information: health.gov.au
WA
General information: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus
Queensland
General: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus
Personal Protective Equipment
Questions & Answers
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Answer: No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
The 2019-nC0V is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.
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Answer: People of all ages can be infected by the virus.
Older people & those with pre-existing medical conditions appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
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Answer: To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the virus.
WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range of partners.
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Answer: No. Vaccines against pneumonia do not provide protection against 2019-nCoV.
The virus is new and different. It needs its own vaccine.
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Answer: At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs, cats can be infected with the virus.
However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets.
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Answer: Yes, it is safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting #2019nCoV.
From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.
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Answer: No. Sesame oil is delicious, but it does not kill 2019-nCoV.
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Answer: 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 2019-nCoV.
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Answer: No. There is no evidence that using mouthwash will protect you from infection with the new coronavirus.
Do one thing and reduce the risk of getting any of these diseases…
- Norovirus (Vomiting and diarrhea)
- Meningitis
- Hepatitis A
- Chicken pox
- Common cold
- Influenza
- Ebola
- Lassa fever
- Coronavirus etc
Just one thing … “PROPER HANDWASHING”
Handwashing is underrated!