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What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a strain of coronavirus. It causes cold and flu-like symptoms and can affect your lungs and airways. The long-term impacts of the disease are not yet known, because it’s a new disease and we are still learning about it.

Symptoms can include:

  • fever
  • coughing
  • sore throat
  • shortness of breath.

If you are sick and think you might have COVID-19, check your symptoms using healthdirect's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptom Checker.

Symptom Checker

If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help.

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, you need to get tested. You can find a testing clinic here.

If you need to get tested for COVID-19, it’s important to call before going to your medical centre or local emergency rooms. Going straight there could put others at risk.

Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine, the rollout strategy, and how to book an appointment to be vaccinated, as well as other important COVID-19 information you need to know.

For more information about COVID-19, including latest updates, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website, Queensland Health, or Healthdirect.

How to get tested

Testing and Fever Clinics, as well as GP Respiratory Clinics, are specialist clinics for people who have symptoms of COVID-19.

COVID-19 tests in Australia are FREE for tourists, visitors, and residents.

Find out where to get tested for COVID-19 where you live.

GP Respiratory Clinics

For people in Northern Queensland who have cold or flu symptoms or think they may have COVID-19, there are five respiratory clinics open for testing in Cairns, Mackay, Townsville, the Whitsundays, and Charters Towers.

The clinics are free for everyone, even if you do not have a Medicare card.

Find out more about GP Respiratory Clinics.

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Diverse group of people
Below is a collection of Information and resources for older Australians, First Nations People, people with a disability, people who are deaf or hearing-impaired, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) populations, people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, LGBTIQ and HIV communities, and more.
  • COVID-19 vaccine information for RACF aged care providers and workers
  • The Australian Government has provided advice for people aged 70 years and over and people aged 65 years and over with chronic medical conditions.
  • In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Queensland Health has developed advice for older Queenslanders aged 65 years and over and First Nations people aged over 50 years.
  • My Aged Care has Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support for older Australians.
  • COTA Australia has been actively working to make sure the needs of older people are being prioritised. A variety of fact sheets and resources are available.
  • The Community Visitors Scheme arranges volunteer visits to older people to provide friendship and companionship. Visits are available to anyone receiving government-subsidised residential aged care or Home Care Packages.
  • View the information sheet for families and residents on restricted visits to residential aged care facilities on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
  • Queenslanders with Disability Network offers resources to help you get the facts, make a plan, and stay connected.
  • Queensland Health has developed a web resource for people with disability, their friends, families, carers, and support workers.
  • The Australian Government has launched a Disability Information Helpline for people with disability, their families, carers, support workers, and services who need help because of coronavirus (COVID-19). If you have a COVID-19 related question and do not know where to start, you can contact the Helpline from Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (AEST) and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 7pm (AEST) in the following ways:
    • If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.

Expression Australia is providing regular Auslan-only video updates accompanied by a English text summary – view them here. These will also be posted on their social media channels: FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

  • oneplace – Find help near you. Search more than 53,000 Queensland family community services at oneplace. oneplace lists everything you need, from emergency relief to domestic and family violence support services.
  • Homeless hotline – statewide phone information and referral service for people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. Call 1800 474 753.
  • Ask Izzy is a mobile website connecting people who are in crisis with the services they need right now and nearby, including housing and homeless support. They also have a specific COVID-19 support area.
  • The Deck is a resource hub for the housing and homelessness sector. You can find COVID-19 related housing and homelessness information through their updates page.
  • Find information and support on the COVID-19 changes affecting renting in Queensland on the online residential rental hub.

Find COVID-19 and eating disorders information from the National Eating Disorders Collaboration.

  • Queensland Health has developed COVID-19 specific web information for parents and children.
  • Queensland Health has also produced a COVID-19 web resource specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
  • Advice about COVID-19 and what it means for your child’s health on the Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service website.
  • Supporting children during the COVID-19 pandemic via Emerging Minds.
  • The Queensland Centre for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health have added a new book called ‘Birdie and the Virus‘ to their collection of online children’s resources. ‘Birdie and the Virus’ has been specifically designed to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of babies and young children, their parents, and families, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Information and resources to help support infants and young children impacted by natural disasters via Birdie’s Tree.

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Dad and son exercising at home
Taking care of your mental health
Many aspects of life are affected by a pandemic. Most people have little experience of an event like COVID-19 and it can be quite overwhelming when your health, social life, employment, and financial situation are impacted. While it’s normal to feel anxious or uncertain during this time, you can seek help if these feelings start to affect your everyday functioning.
  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
  • Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
  • MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
  • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

If you need to see a doctor, call your local practice. The staff will help you decide whether you require a face-to-face consultation, or a consultation over the phone or by video (telehealth).

Telehealth is designed to protect you, your GP, and the wider community by reducing the number of people visiting GP waiting rooms, where the virus could potentially spread.

If you have symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, headache, cough, sore throat, or muscle aches, your doctor may refer you to a Respiratory Clinic or an Emergency Department.

If you need a prescription your doctor will send this directly to your local pharmacy where you can collect it, or your pharmacy may be able to deliver it to your home.

This Australian Government Department of Health fact sheet for patients outlines how patients can get their medicine if they are confined to home due to COVID-19.

It is important to look after your mental health during this time. If you are feeling worried or anxious about COVID-19, there are steps you can take.

Scroll down for a list of free resources and links:

  • The 24/7 Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service has been developed by Beyond Blue to address the growing mental health impact of the pandemic, including fear about the virus, financial stress, family stress, anxiety and loneliness. Call 1800 512 348.
  • My Compass (Beyond Blue): A personalised self-help tool to manage mental health stress in COVID-19.
  • The Department of Health’s Head to Health’s COVID‑19 support page offers tips for maintaining good mental health, information on how to access mental health services, information for parents, and how to keep older Australians safe and connected by helping them get established online. To receive frequent mental health updates on coronavirus, subscribe to the Department of Health’s enews.
  • National Mental Health Commission campaign to deal with COVID-19 stress: Sharing stories about coping – #Wereinthistogether
  • Kids Helpline: A 24/7 support service to help children through the COVID-19 pandemic is available free of charge to all Australian children. Call 1800 55 1800, or use the email or web chat service.
  • LifeinMind: Providing vital connections to resources designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of those experiencing an indirect or direct impact from COVID-19.
  • headspace: Support for young people, including how to cope with stress related to COVID-19.
  • Lifeline: Managing your mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak. Call 13 11 14
  • Emerging Minds: Helping parents and carers best support their children and reduce worry and distress.
  • Black Dog Institute’s tools and resources can be accessed by anyone, anywhere to help deal with feelings of anxiety and stress associated with COVID-19.
  • If you know children or young people who are feeling concerned by the situation, this 6-minute video from SchoolTV can help your family feel informed.
  • Mindspot: 10 Psychological Tips for Coping with Coronavirus (COVID-19).
  • Queensland Mental Health Commission resources relating to COVID-19.
  • Mind Australia: Supports people dealing with mental illness, as well as their families, friends and carers; provides specialised therapies for complex behaviours and needs including people who have intellectual disability along with mental ill-health.
  • Community Services Industry Alliance (CSIA) has collated useful information and links to mental health supports for community groups and people that may have been impacted by COVID-19.
  • Remember – stay on top of the facts, but limit your exposure to the hype!
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Wash your hands
Protecting yourself and others from COVID-19
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to protect those who are most at risk, it is important that you take the recommended steps to protect yourself and others.

The Australian Government Department of Health has information about protecting yourself and others from COVID-19. Novel coronavirus is transmitted from person to person, usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Transmission may occur from contaminated surfaces, so it is important to frequently wash your hands.

  • Practice good hand and respiratory hygiene including:
    • covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing
    • avoiding contact with anyone who has symptoms such as fever, a cough, sore throat, fatigue, and shortness of breath
    • staying 1.5 metres away from people.
  • If you are feeling unwell, stay home.
  • If you need to visit a GP, ring beforehand.
  • If you are feeling really unwell, call an ambulance on Triple Zero (000).

For more details on how to protect yourself and others, click here to view recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO).

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News
Where can I find trusted sources of information?
Whilst media coverage of COVID-19 can help you feel informed, it can also trigger feelings of anxiety and agitation.

To stay up to date with accurate, factual information you can access:

  • The Australian Government COVID-19 website, which is regularly updated with the latest news, alerts, and resources. Please visit the Department of Health website for the most current information
  • The Australian Government Department of Health Coronavirus Australia App (available in the Apple App Store or Google Play)
  • The Australian Government’s WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android for official advice and information in real-time
  • The Queensland Government has detailed information for the community on its website about COVID-19 including what it is, symptoms and prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Further information can be obtained by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
  • The Australian Digital Health Agency (the Agency) has launched a COVID-19 digital health guide to help Australians find the latest health information and advice about navigating the healthcare system during a time when information overload is widespread.

These websites are all updated daily.

If you are seeking information on COVID-19, call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in need of urgent health assistance, call Triple Zero (000).

The Department of Health website is regularly updated with the latest news, alerts, and resources.

See daily reports from the Department of Health on COVID-19 case numbers and the current situation in Australia and overseas.

Keep up to date with the Department of Health’s COVID-19 news and media.

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