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.
“In the last 24 hours ... the data regarding the rate of transmission of the virus outside of China is fundamentally changing the way we need to now look at how this issue is being managed here in Australia,” he said.
“We believe the risk of a global pandemic is very much upon us and as a result, as a government, we need to take the steps necessary to prepare for such a pandemic.”
Morrison said the decision to move ahead before the World Health Organisation declared an official pandemic was made in consultation with Australia’s chief medical officer, Brendan Murphy.
Travel ban extended
The mainland China travel ban has been extended to March 7, meaning foreign nationals who have been in China must spend at least 14 days in a third country before gaining entry to Australia.
Australian citizens and permanent residents returning from China are permitted entry, but must self-isolate for two weeks.
How to prepare for coronavirus
Morrison said implementation of the emergency plan did not mean people would be stopped from going about their normal business.
“There is no need for us to be moving to having mass gatherings of people stop,” he said.
“You can still go to the football and the cricket and play with your friends down the street.
To stay ahead of it we need to now elevate our response.
“You can go to the concert and you can go out for a Chinese meal.
“You can do all of these things because Australia has acted quickly.
“Australia has gone ahead of (WHO) at this point in time.
“But to stay ahead of it we need to now elevate our response to the next phase.”
What happens next
Morrison said Health Minister Greg Hunt would meet state and territory health ministers on Friday to discuss the next steps.
Australia Border Force was also being consulted on how best to increase monitoring and security at all the country’s ports of entry.
Education ministers will also be asked to look at what steps can be taken to further protect students, Morrison said.
NSW response
As Morrison was addressing the media in Canberra with the coronavirus update, NSW’s Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, issued a separate statement.
He urged all individuals and businesses to take immediate steps to prepare for a pandemic, warning the virus could take hold in the state just as winter flu season hits.
“Businesses (must) look at strategies for keeping workers safe with simple measures such as alcohol hand rub in the workplace, stress the importance of staying home when sick, and use technologies that allow people to work from home where necessary,” he said.
NSW’s Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant urged people to visit their GP for minor injuries and illnesses, to ensure hospital emergency departments did not become clogged with non-urgent cases.
“While the few COVID-19 cases in NSW to date have been mild, the global spread of the virus, coupled with flu season fast approaching, means the situation for our hospitals could change quickly,” Dr Chant said.
“So we’re asking everyone to plan now.”
Your questions answered
What is the coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause a range of symptoms including a runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever. Some are mild, such as the common cold, while others are more likely to lead to pneumonia.
The latest strain was discovered in the Chinese province of Wuhan.
How do you get coronavirus?
China says the virus is mutating and can be transmitted through human contact.
It’s primarily spread through a sick person coughing or sneezing on someone but a person could also become infected through contact with the virus particles on a surface, NSW Health warns.
What are coronavirus symptoms?
Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Most of those affected are older people and those with underlying health conditions.
How do you treat coronavirus?
As it stands, there is no vaccine for the virus and because it is new, humans have not been able to build immunity to it.
A group of Melbourne researchers have been tasked with finding a vaccine, while China is testing the HIV drug Aluvia as a treatment.
How do I protect myself from coronavirus?
WHO’s standard recommendations:
- Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
- When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough;
- Seek early medical help if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
