Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This information is true of 04/08/21, we are constantly learning more about this virus, further information can be found here.

Novel coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) is a virus in the same ‘family’ as previous outbreaks such as SARS and MERS, but also the common cold.

COVID-19 can cause symptoms like:

• People can be well for up to 14 days, after being infected

How does it spread?

• Most cases are spread by people who have symptoms
• Some people can be infected but not get symptoms
• Most spread is by droplet, aerosol and direct contact from people who are infected with symptoms. This can occur from around 24 hours before symptoms begin
• Coughing and sneezing spreads the virus and the virus can be caught from surfaces that have been coughed or sneezed on

STOP THE SPREAD

• Stay 1.5 meters away from other people
• Wash your hands often using soap and water or hand sanitiser
• Cough or sneeze into your arm or use a tissue which must be thrown away
• Wear face masks when you can’t physically distance or whenever mandatory face mask use is required
• Get vaccinated

If you think you are unwell with Coronavirus:

• Stay home from work, and isolate yourself
• If you live in a home with others, try to isolate yourself and wear a face mask
• If you have COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, get tested
• Follow the instructions above to stop the spread
• Call your health service and let them know before coming into clinic
• After your COVID-19 test, follow all the instructions provided by the testing clinic

GET VACCINATED

• The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and will protect your from becoming unwell from serious illness related to COVID-19
• All Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 16 and over are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination
• Having the COVID-19 vaccine is your choice and the best way to protect yourself and your mob from serious illness
• Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is free and as more of us get a COVID-19 vaccine, it becomes harder for the virus to spread
• Talk to your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker, Nurse or Doctor. They understand the risks and can help you make the right choice

RESOURCES

COVID-19 VACCINE STORIES

• Lucianne Warwick
• Matthew Gibson and Aaleyah Sheldrick-Port
• Fiona Millard
• Yvonne Cadet-James and Robbie Corrie Jnr
• Ian Ludwick

COVID-19 VIDEOS 2020

• Youth of Cape York – Keeping COVID Safe
• Men of Pormpuraaw – Keeping COVID Safe
• Message from some of our Cape York Mayors
• Message from Robbie Sands, Mayor of Kowanyama
• Message from Sonia Schuh, Operations Manager – Apunipima Cape York Health Council
• Aurukun’s Story – Keeping COVID Safe
• Message from Sheree and Jordan, Mapoon
• Message from Thomas Hudson, Apunipima Board Member about getting tested
• Message from Debra Jia, Primary Health Care Manager Mapoon and Napranum
• Message from Meredith Arkwookerum, Pormpuraaw Elder
• Community of Cape York – Keeping COVID Safe