The Facts on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Published on 23 March 2020

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Shoalhaven City Council advise the primary source for facts on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is NSW Health. 

Visit www.health.nsw.gov.au for useful information on personal hygiene, symptoms, medical support, treatment and reported cases, as well as quarantine requirements.  

Follow NSW Health on Facebook for regular health updates.  

What can you do? 

  • Practice social distancing.  Where possible, maintain a distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and another person. 

  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially before eating, cooking, or feeding others to prevent the spread of germs.

  • Sneeze into your elbow.

  • Stay at home if sick.

  • Check on your elderly relatives and friends. Call them and see how they are going. Be a considerate shopper and if you have bulk supplies of essential items, offer some to those in need. 

If you are concerned that you have the symptoms of this virus, please contact your GP by phone first or call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222.  

Government Restrictions

  • Public gatherings of over 500 people outdoors are now cancelled until further notice, effective as of 15 March 2020. Harsh fines apply to anyone in breach of this order.
  • Non essential Public gatherings of over 100 people indoors are now cancelled until further notice and a 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies.
  • Infection with COVID-19 is now notifiable under the NSW Public Health Act 2010.
  • Travellers and Australian citizens arriving inbound to Australia will need to self-isolate for 14 days from arrival and report any symptoms of illness. 
  • All cruise ships which have sailed from a foreign port have been banned from entering Australian ports for 30 days.

The Australian Government has announced the following facilities will be restricted from opening from midday local time 23 March 2020:

  • Pubs, registered and licenced clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation)
  • Gyms and indoor sporting venues 
  • Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
  • Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
  • Religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies).

You can read current Council closuresby searching Council Services and Facilities impacted by COVID-19. 

5 steps businesses can take

In the midst of managing the business impacts of the crisis, here are 5 things you might want to think about. Information is changing daily.

  1. Make sure you are following health and safety guidance from the Department of Health.
  2. Communicate what health and safety measures you are taking in your business to your customers and partners.
  3. The Department of Health has launched a national campaign to inform all Australians about the coronavirus. They have developed a range of resources for businesses to use, find out more here.
  4. The Australian, State and Territory Governments have announced a series of measures to support businesses and individuals during this difficult time. Find out more here.
  5. Look after your mental health and reach out if you need help.

 

BusinessConnect is now offering free video and phone business advisory services to help you review the best way you can manage your business through this time. Visit BusinessConnect to find your local advisor.

Business NSW has created a business conditions survey to understand the impacts of coronavirus. They are offering a prize draw of gift cards to encourage people to complete the survey, which aims to provide an honest and comprehensive analysis of economic trends, opportunities and challenges for businesses in NSW. 

Where can I find more information?

You can also find information on COVID-19 on the below links:

For further information, call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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