What To Do If You Have Coronavirus (Or Think You Do)

COVID-19 is now a pandemic, with 125,000 cases spread across 118 countries and territories.

Before you panic, declaring something a ‘pandemic’ doesn’t have anything to do with the actual threat of the virus — it just refers to how the virus is spreading. But spreading along with the virus is confusion about how worried we should be, how to avoid getting it, and how to stop it escalating.

As of 11am yesterday Australia had 126 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the majority of which are in NSW.

Here’s what to do if you think you might have the virus, and how to avoid it if you don’t. The most important thing to remember is to consult the necessary health services before making any decisions.

Should I Stop Going Outside?

Yesterday former Labor leader Bill Shorten called for “drastic social distancing measures” to help contain COVID-19.

Basically, this means separating yourself from other people as much as possible and avoiding crowded places.

NSW Health is advising people who have travelled overseas in the past two weeks to practice social distancing as much as possible for a 14 day period.

This includes keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and others; avoiding crowds and mass gatherings; avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces;  avoid shaking hands, hugging, or kissing; and definitely avoiding vulnerable people like your grandma or your immunocompromised friends.

However, their advice also says if you are asked to practice social distancing “you can travel to work or school using public transport if you have no other way of travelling there”. So … go figure. Just try to separate yourself from other passengers as much as possible?

If you haven’t recently travelled or come into contact with someone known to have the virus, there is no need to worry about social distancing at this stage. That means you don’t need to start avoiding your favourite cafe just yet.

If you’ve got symptoms, it’s a different story.

What Happens If I Wake Up With A Runny Nose?

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, runny nose and shortness of breath.

If you’ve just returned from travelling overseas — anywhere overseas, not just to a “risky” country — you should keep an eye out for symptoms and immediately isolate yourself if you start to feel sick.

If you haven’t travelled recently but develop a fever or respiratory symptoms you can call a dedicated coronavirus health information line on 1800 020 080 for more advice.

If you do need to seek medical care contact your doctor’s office ahead of time, wear a surgical mask (if possible), and tell them where you have travelled.

Testing methods may include a blood test or a simple swab test inside your nose or throat.

What Happens If I Do Get Coronavirus, Or Need To Quarantine Myself?

If you’re sick, stay home.

Anyone with symptoms should not go to work, school, university, the gym, or other public areas, and you should not use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services.

Even though the virus isn’t as damaging for young and healthy people, those young and healthy people can still spread it to others who are at greater risk.

Yesterday the World Health Organisation said the pandemic is still controllable, and the priority is now containment.

“To save lives we must reduce transmission,” WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

“That means finding and isolating as many cases as possible, and quarantining their closest contacts. Even if you cannot stop transmission, you can slow it down and protect health facilities, old age homes and other vital areas – but only if you test all suspected cases.”

If you are a casual worker who needs to self-isolate you will be eligible for the government’s $750 cash bonus through Newstart.

What Can I Do To Protect Myself?

First off, don’t bother with a face mask. They only help people who already have coronavirus from spreading it to others — our national health department says there’s little evidence that healthy people wearing masks help prevent transmission.

The best defence against coronavirus is to practice good hygiene.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after eating and after going to the toilet (OBVIOUSLY),  clean frequently touched surfaces daily, use alcohol-based hand sanitiser and practice “respiratory etiquette” (that means covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, you detty pigs).

It’s also a good idea to have a plan of action in case you need to go into quarantine. That doesn’t mean stocking up on toilet paper, but it does mean organising a two week supply of any medication you may need.

Many workplaces are already advising staff to work from home where possible. Software provider Atlassian has closed its two Sydney officers, as have law firms Jones Day and King & Wood Mallesons. EY on Eagle Street in Brisbane also ordered staff to go home, as did funds management company Vanguard in Melbourne.

While there are plenty of things you can do to prevent the spread of the virus, the advice is still be alert — but not alarmed.

The most important thing we want you to know is that you should be aware of, and informed about COVID-19, but not alarmed. Our experienced staff have responded to health emergencies in the past, and we will do it again. 3/4

— Queensland Health (@qldhealthnews) March 12, 2020

“While coronavirus is of concern, it is important to remember that most people displaying symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or tiredness are likely suffering with a cold or other respiratory illness — not coronavirus,” Australia’s Department of Health says.

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If you’re concerned contact the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 for information on novel coronavirus. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.