What is COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus. It was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China.

For the most up to date information on Coronavirus in Victoria, visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

How is Coronavirus spread?

COVID-19 spreads through close contact with an infected person; mostly face-to-face or within a household. 

What is close contact?

Close contact means greater than 15 minutes face-to-face or the sharing of a closed space for more than two hours with a confirmed case.

A close contact could include any person meeting any of the following criteria:

• living in the same household or household-like setting (for example, a boarding school or hostel)
• direct contact with the body fluids or laboratory specimens of a confirmed case 
• a person who spent two hours or longer in the same room 
• face-to-face contact for more than 15 minutes with the case in any other setting not listed above.

Symptoms

The most common coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms reported are:

• Fever
• Breathing difficulties, breathlessness
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue or tiredness.

Many people who contract coronavirus (COVID–19) will suffer only mild symptoms. Elderly people and those with pre-existing medical conditions may experience more severe symptoms.

If you suspect you may have coronavirus please call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398.

Protecting yourself and your family

• Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
• Stay at home.
• Phone your doctor or the hotline – 1800 675 398 – if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.
• Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep.
• Wearing a face mask is not necessary if you are well.
• Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.
• Click here to download a poster