Published: 07 February 2020
Novel Coronavirus – protecting the health and wellbeing of our communities
We have put in place precautionary measures including:
- Regular meetings
Key staff are meeting daily to review developments and agree on actions to take. - Ongoing monitoring and contact with authorities
Our Senior Health, Safety and Environment Advisor is monitoring developments globally, nationally and locally and keeping in touch with authorities to ensure we have accurate, up-to-date information. - Strict hygiene procedures
We have stepped-up our standard hygiene procedures and are briefing all employees and village visitors with relevant information on our procedures to prevent the spread of disease.
Questions and answers
What is this virus?
Coronaviruses can make humans and animals sick. Some coronaviruses can cause illness similar to the common cold and others can cause more serious diseases. You may have heard of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). These were caused by coronaviruses.
The virus that recently emerged in mainland China is called ‘novel’ because it is new. It has been named 2019 novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV for short. Most people currently infected live in, or have travelled to mainland China. There have been some cases of 2019-nCoV reported in other countries. It is likely that the virus originally came from an animal and it has become an epidemic as it can spread from person-to-person.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include (but are not limited to) fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.
What should I do if I display symptoms?
If you display symptoms, especially if you have recently travelled to China or have had close contact with someone who has, you should:
- Immediately isolate yourself inside in your home.
- Notify your Village Manager and close family member.
- Call your usual doctor or local hospital and tell them your symptoms and travel history or potential exposure to the coronavirus.
How can you help prevent the spread of the virus?
- Practising good hand hygiene and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water before and after eating as well as after attending the toilet.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing with a tissue, or cough into your elbow. Dispose of used tissues into a bin and then wash your hands afterwards.
- Avoid contact with people who have visited China or have symptoms of the virus.
Is there a vaccination?
Where can I get more information?
- Call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
- Contact your state or territory public health agency:
- NSW call 1300 066 055
- Qld call 13 43 25 84 (13HEALTH)
- SA call 1300 232 272
- Visit the Australian Government Department of Health website www.health.gov.au.
Your health and wellbeing is our priority.
Please contact your Village Manager if you have any questions or concerns.
