Covid-19 update 20 February 2020

Five South Australians are currently awaiting test results for COVID-19.

The two confirmed cases of COVID-19 were discharged from the Royal Adelaide Hospital on Friday 14 February, following multiple negative tests. There is no risk to the public as they have been fully cleared of the virus.

The federal government announced this week that it will extend the travel ban on foreign nationals who have recently been in mainland China for a further week from 15 February 2020 to protect Australians from the risk of COVID-19.

People should present to their GP if they are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 and have recently returned from mainland China, or have been in close contact with someone who is a confirmed case.

As areas of interest now include Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and Thailand, clinicians will also consider testing people with symptoms who have travelled to these areas (excluding airport transit) in the 14 days before the onset of symptoms.

Importantly, people should call ahead first so their GP can prepare for their visit and in an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and advise of travel history.

In line with Commonwealth advice, the following people must self-isolate:

  • Anyone who has left, or transited through, mainland China must isolate themselves until 14 days after leaving China.
  • Anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed case must isolate themselves at home for 14 days following the last possible contact with the confirmed case unless seeking medical care.
  • Anyone else being specifically tested for COVID-19 who is awaiting test results.
  • Those seeking medical care must contact their medical provider before their arrival and wear a surgical mask if leaving home isolation

At this stage, travellers from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and Thailand who have not been to mainland China are not required to self-isolate unless they are unwell with a compatible illness, in which case they should seek medical assessment.

/Public Release. View in full here.