What is Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19)?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases. COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new form of coronavirus. It was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China.

What are the symptoms?

• Fever
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

Who is at risk?

• People who have been overseas
• People who have been in contact someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID- 19

People who are, or are more likely to be, at higher risk of serious illness if they get the virus are:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and older with one or more chronic medical conditions
• people 65 years and older with chronic medical conditions
• people 70 years and older
• people with compromised immune systems

Are you more at risk with a Spinal Cord Injury?

If you are generally healthy and do not have any existing lung or breathing difficulties, then you are probably not at any greater risk than anyone else in the community. If you have a tetraplegia or high paraplegia level injury and have existing problems with your lungs or breathing then you may be at higher risk of having more severe problems related to COVID-19.

Prevention

• Practise good hygiene
• Practise social distancing
• Follow the limits for public gatherings
• Understand how to self-isolate if you need to

What should I do if I think I may have contracted the COVID-19 virus or become unwell?

If you have any of the symptoms or signs including cough, fever, sore throat, tiredness and breathing difficulty, then you should contact your doctor or local hospital to see whether you need to be tested for COVID-19. Remember most cases of the virus will not be severe, however, if you are concerned that you are becoming unwell or are having any breathing difficulty you should call your local hospital to alert them, then call an ambulance and attend your local hospital.

What should I do if my carer or support provider contracts the virus or is unwell and cannot attend to my support needs?

If your carer or any of your support providers are unwell, they should not be assisting you. If you have not done so already, you should contact your support provider and ask them what plans they have for replacement of support workers in the current situation. You should think ahead about what alternative solutions there are if you do not have enough support available. If you have no alternatives you should present to your local hospital.

Stay up to date with these relevant links:

• Australian Government’s Department of Health website
• Queensland Government health alert
• Making a COVID-19 Plan – Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service/Queensland Government
• National Disability Insurance Scheme Disaster Response
• Woolworths Priority Assistance Delivery Service
• Coles Community Hour and Access to Everyday Essentials
• Woolworths Community Hour information
• Priority home delivery services
• COVID-19 Resources for people with a Disability
• NDIS Commission coronavirus (COVID-19) information
• Looking after your mental health
• How to deal with Anxiety