COVID-19 is caused by a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory system (lungs and airways).
Everyone is at risk of infection, (with COVID-19) but some people are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill (or even dying).
If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home for at least 5 full days and until your symptoms clear.
COVID-19 spreads from person to person by respiratory droplets or small airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and is in close contact with others.
When someone with the virus sneezes, coughs or touches a surface, they may leave infected droplets on these surfaces. The virus can survive on these surfaces for several hours or even a few days.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, mild shortness of breath, runny or blocked nose, and loss of smell and/or taste. Other symptoms can include headache, fatigue, muscle or joint pains, occasional vomiting or diarrhoea.
Contact your GP as soon as possible if you develop worsening symptoms such as shortness of breath when moving around or coughing, coughing up mucous regularly, severe muscle aches, feeling very weak and tired, or are passing little to no urine.
Other worsening symptoms include:
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you, or the person you are caring for experience any of the following. Do not wait to see if the symptoms change.
Vaccination against COVID-19 helps to ensure you have the most protection available against the effects of the virus, and it can help keep friends, family and other members of our community protected too.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free for all eligible individuals. Appointment fees may apply.
