What to do if you or someone close to you has coronavirus

Signs that you might have coronavirus include fever, coughing, a sore throat and problems with breathing. If you have these symptoms, call your local clinic or Aboriginal Medical Service to make arrangements for a test. Do not visit them without calling first.

If you test positive for coronavirus you will need to stay at home and away from other people as much as possible. This is to stop the spread of the virus to other people in your home or community.

Make sure you follow the advice of the health clinic and medical professionals. Together, we can all stop the spread of the virus in our communities.

If you or someone in your house has coronavirus here are some tips:

• Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• When a person with the virus is in the same room or space as other people, make sure they are wearing a mask. This will help stop them from spreading the virus to others when they sneeze, cough or talk.
• Don’t share your dishes, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding or other things with the person who is unwell. Make sure to wash all these things well with soap and water after they have been used.
• Wipe down your surfaces at least once every day, including door handles and light switches.
• Try to make sure the shared spaces in your home have good airflow as much as possible, opening windows if you can.
• Make sure the person who is sick stays in a room or space in the house where they are away from other people as much as possible. They should use a different bathroom to the rest of the people in the house if you have the option.
• Check in often about how the sick person is feeling, both physically and mentally, and seek medical help if you are unsure about symptoms. You could message them, so they don’t feel too isolated.

It is especially important to keep a sick person away from people in the house who are Elders or have other health problems.

It may be very hard for some people to be separated from others like this. Just remember that it won’t be forever. It’s important to follow the health advice to protect our mob and community from the virus.