A thread on where Australia is at with #coronavirus, phone numbers and webpage resources for help, and useful tips on how to prepare
Australia is now in the exponential phase of COVID-19 cases (), with cases doubling every ~4 days. This is similar to the doubling rate in Italy in the early days of the epidemic there (see figure at the bottom of bbc.com/news/world-eur…).
The Lancet has just published a sobering analysis of COVID-19 in Italy in the coming days and weeks thelancet.com/journals/lance…
This is a serious illness, with a higher death rate than influenza (exact estimates vary, and depend on accuracy of total case counts), and a significantly higher death rate in >60-year-olds - particularly in those >70 years businessinsider.com.au/coronavirus-de… note data bins are not the same
While there are still many more influenza cases than COVID-19, and we also do not have a good handle on the total number of cases of COVID-19, the increased load will have a significant effect on healthcare systems and it is clear that many more cases are on the way.
Importantly, while we should not panic, we should all be prepared (it’s better to feel prepared than worried…). The CDC has a good advice page on how to prepare your household cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…
The Red Cross page has many useful tips redcross.org.au/coronavirus
A month or two of food (gradual stock up, not panic buying) and prescription medications for you and your animals, and emergency kits are a good place to start. qld.gov.au/emergency/deal…
Have an emergency household plan qld.gov.au/emergency/deal…
As of last night, the Aust. gov't has banned gatherings of more than 500 people; this does not apply to schools, universities, public transport or airports (as these are ‘essential services’).
However, it is very likely that schools and universities will close in the near future theguardian.com/world/2020/mar…
There is a government information number open 24 hours: 1800 020 080. The government HealthDirect website also provides information and has a symptom checker healthdirect.gov.au
HealthDirect also has a specific coronovarus information page healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus
Government resources including fact sheets can also be found on the Health.gov website health.gov.au/resources/coll…
The Queensland government also has a COVID-19 website qld.gov.au/health/conditi…
If you get sick with coronavirus symptoms (or any other illnesses) and need advice, the national HealthDirect hotline can be used to speak to a registered nurse about health concerns: 1800 022 222. You can also call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for health advice.
Social distancing is one of several critically important measures to minimise spread of coronavirus (and other illnesses). If you are sick, stay home – because co-morbidity (having e.g. both influenza and coronavirus) increases the death rate
So it’s the responsibility of all of us to minimise transmission of all diseases. Even if you are well, avoid personal contact (no shaking hands or other contact greetings), practice good sneeze and cough hygiene...
...and wash your hands properly and regularly with soap and water (or with sanitizer if no soap/water available). In addition, it makes sense to minimise attendance or avoid attendance at large group gatherings.
The death rate in >60-year olds, immunocompromised people, and others with pre-existing conditions is significantly higher than in the rest of the population
Even if you are young and healthy, you have a responsibility to minimise transmission of coronavirus and all illnesses to help protect the more vulnerable members of our society
With the coronavirus pandemic and current situation in Australia, it makes sense to prepare to be at home for an extended time (2-4 weeks, possibly longer). <end>
