A (very long) AHPPC statement on current epidemiology, social distancing, schools and universities, aged care facilities and community sport #COVID19
OK, the Twitter version...
Most of the Australian cases to date are still linked to overseas travel or in their contacts, so the current growth reflects the exponential growth in cases overseas, rather than uncontrolled local spread
Most of the Australian cases to date are still linked to overseas travel or in their contacts, so the current growth reflects the exponential growth in cases overseas, rather than uncontrolled local spread
We have done more than 80,000 tests to date (on a per capita basis, more than the UK and just less than Italy), including testing healthcare workers and inpatients with pneumonia.
It is thus thought that we are at an early stage of community transmission, and the time has come to mobilise the community to reduce transmission. This is going to have a major impact on many people, but the cost of not taking action is worse.
Whatever we do to control this, we will need to do for at least 4-6 months, and if successful, even longer. The aim is to try to find something that can be sustained for a long period to at least "flatten the curve".
Social distancing (or the better Kiwi term, physical distancing) should have some impact. The initial phase will involve various limits on indoor and outdoor events, and limiting "gatherings" only to essential services (eg public transport).
There's a discussion on why we're not closing schools - @JamesWo37890814 did a thread on school closure and @VictorianCHO put out a good statement. dhhs.vic.gov.au/information-ed…
Aged care facilities obviously represent the most vulnerable settings and a range of measures have been recommended to protect residents - limiting visitors, ensuring visitors are well, no external activities, clear communication with families, hygiene measures
This is a difficult one. It needs to be balanced against this is the need to maintain social connections, and the recognition that there will necessarily be case-by-case exceptions (eg palliative care).
There are some recommendations for community sport and swimming pools, and general hygiene. ANZAC Day gatherings are off. And stop buying toilet paper.
