First and foremost, if you have any questions or concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, call your ETC and / or your Host Supervisor.

 What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.  Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia.  Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly.

People with Coronavirus (COVID-19) may experience:

• fever.
• flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat.
• shortness of breath and fatigue.

How it spreads:

The virus is most likely spread through:

• close contact with an infectious person.
• contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze.
• touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) that have cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face.

What should I do if I think I’ve come into contact with an infected person, or have Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

FIRSTLY, AND FORE-MOSTLY, DON’T PANIC!

Contact with an infected person, or I think I have Coronavirus (COVID-19):

If you develop symptoms including a fever and / or respiratory signs, please call ahead to talk to a doctor or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.  Tell your doctor that you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19.  The doctor may tell you to attend your nearest emergency department – if so when you arrive, immediately tell staff you have had contact with someone with COVID-19.   Then, call your ETC and host supervisor and let them know what’s going on.

Advice for Travellers:

If are travelling or have travelled recently to one of the high-risk countries (there are many and they change daily) call your ETC and Supervisor BEFORE returning to work and let them know.  They may require you to visit a doctor and obtain a clearance before returning to work.  Speak to your ETC, they will advise you.  If a family member has also returned from these regions recently, and you’ve had contact with them, just give your ETC a call.

If you have any safety concerns or issues, please use the contacts below:

Ren Trinchera – WHS National Manager – M: 0449 676 752 – E: [email protected] 

Leanne Suffolk – Senior Safety Adviser – M: 0429 065 171 – E: [email protected]

Peter James – Senior Safety Adviser – M: 0427 499 644 – E: [email protected]