Skip to Content

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 (also referred to as coronavirus or novel coronavirus) is a respiratory illness that was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China and has since spread globally. There are currently confirmed cases of COVID-19 in nearly all Australian states and territories and the situation is changing rapidly. COVID-19 is most likely to spread from person-to-person and symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia. Current information about COVID-19 shows the majority of people infected have a mild form of the illness, however, older people are at much greater risk of serious illness

Updated - 22 March: Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19

The ‘Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19’ has been released by 13 aged care peak bodies and consumer advocacy organisations. The Code creates a nationally consistent approach that ensures residents can receive visitors while minimising the risk of spreading COVID-19. 

To view the Industry Code, please click here.

Resources

For non-English speakers or if English is a second language, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) if you would like assistance with understanding this information via https://www.tisnational.gov.au/ or phone 131 450.

Special Edition Webinars: COVID-19 and what it means for people in Aged Care

Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) have put together a range of special webinars for community members and aged care workforce. Visit https://opan.org.au/information/covid-19-information/ for more information. 

Useful links

The coronavirus situation is rapidly evolving. For up-to-date information on the coronavirus visit SA Health and the Australian Government Department of Health