Covid-19 update 26 February 2020

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

One South Australian passenger from the Diamond Princess cruise ship tested positive to

COVID-19 on arrival in Darwin from Japan on 20 February. The 24-year-old woman was transferred to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and remains in isolation in a stable condition.

Travel restrictions to protect Australians from the risk of COVID-19 remain in place.

COVID-19 can cause mild symptoms including fever, sore throat, coughing and fatigue.

For some people, it can be more severe and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties and can even be fatal.

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, Iran, Japan, Singapore, South Korea 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 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 for 14 days after leaving mainland 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 while 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, Iran, Japan, Singapore, South Korea 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.