Coronavirus Update
Box Hill Institute continues to take advice on the coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Department of Health, DFAT Smart Traveller, and the World Health Organisation.
As of 25 February 2020, Australia has had 22 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19):
· 8 in Queensland
· 4 in New South Wales
· 6 in Victoria
· 3 in South Australia
· 1 Western Australia
Fifteen of the earlier cases are reported to have
recovered. The remaining cases are in a stable condition.
Seven cases are passengers who were on the Diamond Princess repatriation flight from Japan. They were in quarantine at the Manigurr-ma Village Howard Springs facility in Darwin when they tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19). All of these people have returned to their home states for medical treatment.
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness first reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Symptoms can range from a mild illness like a cough to pneumonia. People may experience fever, flu-like symptoms, and shortness of breath.
In Australia, the people most at risk of getting the
virus are those who have:
· recently been in mainland China
· been in close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of coronavirus
If you are at risk, you need to isolate yourself for 14 days.
· If you have been in Hubei Province in the past 14 days, you need to isolate yourself for 14 days after leaving Hubei Province.
· If you have been in mainland China on or after 1 February 2020, you need to isolate yourself for 14 days after leaving mainland China.
· If you have been in close contact with a confirmed case, you need to isolate yourself for 14 days after your last contact with that person.
Everyone can protect against infections by practising
good hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with a
tissue when coughing and sneezing, or cough into your elbow, dispose of the
tissue into a bin and then wash your hands afterwards. Wash your hands
regularly, after using the toilet and before eating.
International students
The Department of Health is delivering more Australian education services online and offshore for international students. To find out more and for support, go to coronavirus updates for international students on the Study in Australia website.
The Australian Government will continue to monitor the emerging information and evidence closely. It will work with jurisdictions, through key committees and other relevant experts, to adapt the COVID-19 Plan as new information becomes available.
Follow the Australian Government’s Department of Health
on Facebook and Twitter.