Overview of Health Information and Directives
The Australian Department of Health website www.health.gov.au is a key source of information for facts and latest advice on COVID-19 and should be frequently monitored.
News and alerts can be accessed at https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert.
Key information can be found on the health website which is updated regularly:
- What you need to know about coronavirus (COVID-19) provides a description of COVID-19, common symptoms, how it is spread, who is most at risk, how to protect yourself and others and what to do if you think you have COVID-19
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/what-you-need-to-know-about-coronavirus-covid-19.
Contacts for state or territory public health agencies are available at www.health.gov.au/state-territory-contacts.
National Coronavirus Help Line – 1800 020 080
The helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Preventing the Spread of Infection
The key objective is preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The key health directive is that everyone must practice good hygiene and implement social distancing measures to protect against infection and prevent the virus spreading.
Resources such as posters to download for circulation in churches and workplaces can be accessed here https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-campaign-resources.
Good hygiene
Recommended actions for good hygiene currently include:
- covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
- disposing of tissues properly
- washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet
- using alcohol-based hand sanitisers
- cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
- if you are sick, avoiding contact with others
- cleaning and sanitising frequently used objects such as mobiles, keys and wallets
Social distancing
Recommended actions for social distancing currently include:
- staying at home when you are unwell
- avoiding any gatherings that are not essential
- keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between you and other people whenever possible
- ensuring that the minimum space per person as required by State government is allowed when organising essential gatherings
- people are not to congregate together in groups indoors or outdoors
- minimising physical contact, especially with people at higher risk such as older people and people with existing health conditions
On 8 May 2020 the Commonwealth Government announced an easing of restrictions in response to Covid-19.
The 3 Step Framework for a COVID Safe Australia will be implemented as determined by State Governments.