COVID-19 INFORMATION
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.
The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by staying at least one metre apart from others, wearing a properly fitted mask where required, and washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently. Get vaccinated and follow the NSW public health order rules.
GETTING TESTED
Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of taste or smell. Other reported symptoms include fatigue, acute blocked nose (congestion), muscle pain, joint pain, headache, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, unexplained chest pain and conjunctivitis.
To get tested visit one of the COVID-19 clinics listed, call your GP or call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 (24-hour help line).
Once you have been tested, you must go straight home and self isolate until you get your result, unless advised otherwise by NSW Health.
Getting tested for COVID-19 is free, convenient and easy. When a General Practitioner (GP) referral is required for a private testing clinic, please check with your GP as GP charges may apply. COVID-19 testing for travel clearance purposes is conducted at private pathology clinics only. Charges may apply for COVID-19 testing services for travel.
Information on how to receive your test result, including how to register for SMS, is provided when you get tested. Results typically take 24-48 hours.
GETTING VACCINATED
- If you have not yet been vaccinated, please book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment immediately.
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COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare or visa status.
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Everyone in NSW aged 12 years and over is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible
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An additional COVID-19 winter booster is recommended for people aged 50 and over, and other people at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, such as older people, people living in aged care, people living in disability care, pregnant women aged 30 to 50 after discussion with their doctor or clinician and anyone over the age of 30 can get a winter booster if they wish.
GETTING YOUR CHILDREN VACCINATED
Getting your child vaccinated will help protect them against severe illness and possible long-term effects from COVID-19. It will also help reduce COVID-19 in our community.
The Pfizer children’s vaccine is the recommended vaccine for children aged 5-11 in Australia.Children will get two doses of the vaccine eight weeks apart.Click here to book an appointment for your child To book an appointment in your language please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) 131 450 and ask to talk to the NSW Health Vaccination Support Line 1800 57 11 55
