Prime Minister Scott Morrison has moved Australia into pandemic mode, as the coronavirus spreads to 42 countries across the world.

“We’re effectively operating now on the basis that there is one, a pandemic,” Morrison said, declaring the government was now activating its emergency plan.

Watch the video here

Men's beards could render face masks useless, health authorities warn - one surprisingly comprehensive graphic reveals why 'walrus' is fine but 'mutton chops' won't do

• Sales of medical face masks are spiking around the world amid an outbreak of a new type of coronavirus, although experts say they’re not the most effective form of protection.
• A graphic from the CDC helps explains which facial hairstyle allows the masks to be more effective – and it’s very thorough.

What You Should Know in Deciding Whether to Buy Escape Hoods, Gas Masks, or Other Respirators for Preparedness at Home and Work

Respiratory protection is effective only if:

• the correct respirator is used,
• it’s available when you need it,
• you know when and how to put it on and take it off, and
• you have stored it and kept it in working order in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

Comfort Masks:

• Are not designed to protect your lungs from airborne hazards.
• Do not have the word NIOSH and the approval type (i.e. N95/P2) printed on the product.
• Are not cleared by the FDA for use as a surgical mask.
• Have not been tested to any government performance standards for filtration.
• Usually have only 1 head strap.
• Do not fit tightly to the face - there might be gaps around the edges.

Key Differences Between Respirators and Masks

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Dear Valued 3M Channel Partner,

As previously communicated, 3M is seeing very high demand for respiratory protection products due to the outbreak of a newly identified novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). In response, 3M is increasing respirator production and is working with 3M authorized channel partners to help ensure they have inventory to meet end-user demand. We remain committed to the balanced distribution of product so that your domestic industrial customers can receive the 3M respiratory protection products they have chosen to rely on to help facilitate their day-to-day operations.

3M P2 Respirators Update

Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Information for university and vocational educations students and staff arriving from Hubei Province, China

An outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in late December 2019.

Can I attend my university or vocational education facility?

Bushfire smoke could cause lung problems for generations, US monkey study suggests

Key points:

• Scientists have studied the impact of bushfire smoke on monkeys since 2008
• The monkeys exposed to smoke had 20 per cent less lung capacity
• There are fears that prolonged exposed to smoke could affect human health

Monkeys in Northern California are providing valuable clues to the health cost of exposure to bushfire smoke, revealing it could have potentially life-threatening consequences for humans.

Large swathes of south-eastern Australia were blanketed in smoke during the recent bushfire crisis, consistently exposing people to unsafe levels of noxious fumes not seen in some of the world's most polluted cities.

Coronavirus reaches Australia: Man is quarantined in Melbourne after testing positive to deadly Chinese disease - as seven others are isolated amid fears more Aussies could be infected

• A man has been quarantined in Melbourne after contracting coronavirus 

• The man travelled to Australia alone from Wuhan, via Guangzhou, on January 19

• He initially showed no symptoms, but eventually became ill when in Melbourne 

• There is said to be little risk of the man spreading the deadly virus in Melbourne 

• The Chinese-national is now isolated at Monash Medical Centre in Clayton

• Five people in NSW are being assessed for potential infection of the deadly strain

• Over 40 people have died in China, and 1000 have been affected globally 

KEY POINTS

3M Tech Update: Children and P2/N95 Respirators

With school holidays nearing the end, parents are questioning what to do with their children when the air quality is still poor.

Does 3M have a P2 or N95 respirator for children in Australia & New Zealand?