Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Welcome to the HealthInfoNet portal on Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This portal provides a comprehensive collection of publications, resources, policies, programs and workforce information relating to COVID-19. All the state/territory information can be searched via interactive maps for: Resources, Publications, Policies, Organisations, Jobs, Funding, Events, Courses and Programs. Some resources are also available in Aboriginal languages.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus [44416]. People who become infected by COVID-19 may experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, others may become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer or chronic respiratory disease are more likely to develop serious illness. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with high rates of comorbidities, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are vulnerable and may experience high rates of COVID-19 [42182]. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age [44416].

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe [44416]. These particles can be large or small droplets from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. To stay safe from COVID-19 it is recommended to:

• physically distance
• wear a mask (especially when distancing cannot be maintained)
• keep rooms well ventilated
• avoid crowds and close contact
• clean hands regularly
• cough into a bent elbow or tissue.

It is also highly recommended to have a COVID-19 vaccination.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are: fever, dry cough and fatigue [44416]. Symptoms of severe COVID‐19 disease include: shortness of breath, loss of appetite, confusion, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and a high temperature (above 38 °C). If experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider or the COVID-19 hotline (1800 020 080 – Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, select option 5) for advice and instructions on where to get a test.

COVID-19 vaccines are available in Australia for protection from COVID-19 [42299]. The Australian Government has a National COVID-19 vaccine roll-out strategy. In Australia, the most common vaccines available include Comirnaty (Pfizer), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Spikevax (Moderna) and Nuvaxovid (Novavax).