Hi all,
We have sourced medically-backed information regarding symptoms you need to look out for if you/someone of your family are unwell. Below is the most up-to-date information from the medical experts and State and Federal Governments, it’s important you are aware of this and are able to do a risk assessment on staff and subcontractors.
Current Status and Key Messages
Source: Whole of Government Key Messaging as at 24/03/20 15:00
- Majority of Queensland cases are either people who have returned from overseas or have had close contact with those people. Only a minor number in SEQ have not been travel related
- If you have been overseas in the past 14 days and feeling unwell, see your doctor immediately
- From Monday, 14 March those returning from overseas MUST self-isolate for 14 days
- While in self-quarantine and you start to develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, a cough or respiratory illness seek immediate medical attention. Call ahead to your GP or emergency department, tell them about your recent travel so they can prepare for your visit
- Most people (around 80%) will only develop mild illness and recover easily. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop severe illness
- You are at higher risk of infection if you have had face-to-face contact with a confirmed case for more than 15 minutes or have shared an enclosed space with them for more than two hours. The Government are not looking for people that may have passed a confirmed case on the street or in a shop, as the risk in these situations is extremely low
- Currently, testing for COVID-19 is only available for people who are unwell with fever or acute respiratory symptoms AND have travelled to overseas in the past 14 days OR have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
- If you’re unwell and haven’t been overseas or in contact with a confirmed case, you may not be tested. Your GP will make this assessment based on your symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19
Source: Royal college of surgeons, CDC and NIH
- Symptoms may take 2 – 14 days after exposure
- These symptoms include: Fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness and exhaustion
- If you have a runny nose and sputum (thick mucus/ phlegm), you most likely have a common cold or flu
- COVID-19 is a form of pneumonia and normally presents with a dry cough and no runny nose
- With the pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty breathing (to test this take a breath and hold of 10 seconds. If you complete this without coughing, discomfort or tightness in the chest it basically indicates there is no infection)
- Attached is a flow chart you can follow once a fever has presented
If you are unsure if you are experiencing COVID-19 or basic cold/flu symptoms, please let your GP know immediately and inform your Supervisor. We will take their advice in any circumstance. We ask you to stay at home until your symptoms improve and work with your Supervisor as to when you can return to work.
Keep up the great work to flatten the curve at work and at home. Remember the best way to look after yourself, your loved ones and the people around you is by washing your hands often, staying home if you’re sick, and staying 1.5 metres away from others.
