22/03/2020
Coronavirus Update : Practical excerpts from the NSW health website
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
This is a an excellent source of the known facts++
How is the virus spread?
Human coronaviruses are spread from someone infected with COVID-19 virus to other close contacts 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 to 6 days, although may range from 2 to 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 COVID-19 cases appear to be spread from people who have symptoms. A small number of people may have been infectious before their symptoms developed.
How long does COVID-19 last on surfaces?
According to the World Health Organization, it is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).
If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with a common household disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
How long does the COVID-19 infection last?
The infection period for the virus will vary from person to person. Mild symptoms in an otherwise healthy individual may resolve over just a few days. Similar to influenza, for an individual with other ongoing health issues, such as a respiratory condition, recovery may take weeks and in severe cases could be potentially fatal.
How is it prevented?
Some simple measures significantly reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and of spreading it:
• Clean your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand rub/sanitiser.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing or use your elbow, not your hands
• Avoid close contact with people unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms, and stay home if you have these symptoms.
• Avoid touching your face and avoid shaking hands with others.
• Try to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others as much as possible, and avoid crowded places.
I have travelled to another country. What should I do?
If you have been overseas in the last 14 days, you should:
• self-isolate yourself from others for 14 days from the day you returned or arrived from overseas
and
• monitor yourself for symptoms
If you develop a fever or respiratory symptoms, please:
• call your doctor or healthdirect on 1800 022 222. When you call, tell them where you have travelled or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case.
or (if your symptoms are severe)
• visit your local Emergency Department. When you arrive, immediately tell staff where you have travelled or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case.
If you have symptoms it is important that don’t go to work, school/university/childcare, the gym, or public areas, and you should not use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services. If you need to seek medical care wear a surgical mask if available when attending. You should not use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services to get to your doctor or emergency department.
Information and resources about COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). If you develop a fever, a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of travel to an affected area, seek medical attention.
