While COVID-19 may only present as mild symptoms for many people, it can be life threatening for older people and people with disabilities who may have compromised immune systems or other health conditions. Let’s all work together to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and to keep everyone safe.

Please take the time to have a look at the information on this page and share it among families, communities and work colleagues.

World Health Organisation recommendations

Wash your hands frequently. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Keep at least 1 metre between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing (health authorities in Australia recommend a distance of 1.5 metres)

Avoiding touching your face.

Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put the used tissue straight in the bin.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early.

How to use alcohol-based hand rubs and how to wash your hands

It seems straightforward – but are you sure you’re doing it right? Watch these videos to make sure.

How to hand rub (video)

How to hand rub (poster)

How to wash hands (video)

How to wash hands (poster)

More information

Every Australian Counts has a useful webpage with easy-to-understand information from across the disability sector.

Australian Government Department of Health: Infection Control Training Module – How to protect yourself and the people you are caring for from infection with COVID-19

Coronavirus and Disability: Infection Prevention, Free online training.

COVID-19 and Aged Care. Free online training.

BaptistCare COVID-19 staff briefing and Q&A. BaptistCare held a session on 9 March with NSW Health experts, including Dr James Branley, Head of Infectious Diseases at Nepean Hospital. Dr Branley was part of the Wuhan response team. Thank you to BaptistCare for making this available online.

Government information

The following government websites are updated daily with the latest advice, so we recommend checking these regularly.

Australian Government Department of Health updates.

NDIS Coronavirus Information.

New South Wales coronavirus information.

Victoria coronavirus information.

Western Australia coronavirus information.

Queensland coronavirus information.

Australian Capital Territory coronavirus information.

Northern Territory coronavirus information.

Tasmania coronavirus information.