The circulation of a new coronavirus (COVID-19) is a current worldwide health issue.

Reported symptoms of COVID-19 include fever or respiratory symptoms like a cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties.

The health and safety of our community and staff is our top priority.

Yarra Council is closely following the advice of the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. The Department has published a self-assessment for risk of COVID-19, which you can find here. 

The Department recommends that if you have had direct risk of exposure or you have recently returned from a country deemed ‘high risk’ then you should self-isolate for 14 days.

If you do develop symptoms, or feel sick, please call your GP if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do. If you have any concerns in relation to this, you can also call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

If you run a business in Yarra, read our information on the support available to you and your staff.

What else can you do?

Now is a really important time to exercise good hand hygiene and other practices that will reduce your risk of contracting the virus:

• If you are unwell, it would be wise to not attend public places like libraries, leisure centres, and community gatherings.
• Even if you feel well, pay close attention to good hand hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and running water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing with a tissue - or cough into your elbow. Dispose of the tissue into a bin and then wash your hands afterwards.
• Try not to touch your face and be aware of what you do with your hands.
• Keep 1.5 metres distance from others, particularly if they have cough or cold symptoms.

The Department of Health and Human Services also recommends:

• Not wearing a face mask if you are well.
• Buying and using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.
• Getting the flu shot (available April).

Anyone who has been in Iran, mainland China (excluding Hong Kong SAR, Macau and Taiwan) Italy or South Korea in the last 14 days needs to self-quarantine by staying at home for 14 days after landing in Australia. This means avoiding public settings like work, school, or childcare and community facilities like leisure centres and libraries.

Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 should also stay at home and avoid public settings until 14 days after their last contact.

Where can I find more information?

For more information, regular updates, and steps to take if you think you are at risk, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.

This article was updated on Sunday 15 March 2020.