The Department of Education continues to work closely with the Tasmanian Department of Health to support schools and students with information in relation to Novel coronavirus (COVID19).

Novel coronavirus is an illness caused by a new virus that can spread from person to person by close contact. Most people infected get better over a week or two, and it seems children usually only get mild illness, like a bad cold. While coronavirus is causing significant community concern, remember that most people in Tasmania today with symptoms like fever, cough, and sore throat are likely suffering from the normal, everyday illnesses we have in our community – not coronavirus.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Coronavirus causes illness that ranges from a mild cough to pneumonia. People with coronavirus may have a fever (high temperature), cough, sore throat, fatigue (extreme tiredness) and shortness of breath for no obvious reason. Some people recover easily; some (mostly elderly people) get very sick very quickly.

Who is at risk? For now, in Australia, those most at risk of getting the virus are:

• people who have in the past 14 days been in a country considered to be at higher risk for coronavirus; currently mainland China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand (this list of countries may change; check the Australian Government Department of Health website for the latest information)
• people who have been in close contact with someone who is known to have the virus.

Information from around the world so far suggests:

• babies, children and young people are likely to have mild illness
• elderly people and people with serious underlying health conditions (like cancer, lung disease and heart disease) are at higher risk of severe illness.

What should I do if my child gets sick?

If your child gets sick, do what you would normally do unless your child is at risk of having coronavirus, as outlined in the information above. If your child gets sick and is at risk and is sick with suggestive symptoms, phone the Public Health Hotline (1800 671 738) straight away.

How can I help slow the spread of illness?

Wash your hands often and well, with soap and running water or alcohol-based hand rub; show your child how to wash their hands well. Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose.

Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue, then put the tissue in the bin. If you don’t have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow.

Stay informed. For the latest general information, go to Australian Government Department of Health or Tasmanian Government Department of Health or phone the national coronavirus health information line, 1800 020 080.