The Australian Government is updating its advice to the Australian Community regarding the Novel Coronavirus, which is based on the latest medical advice.
The updated advice to the Australian community follows new recommendations today from the Australian Government Chief Medical Officer on behalf of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).
The AHPPC has recommended that effective immediately.
- People who have been in contact with confirmed novel coronavirus cases must be isolated in their home for 14 days following exposure.
- Returned travellers who have been in Hubei Province of China must be isolated in their home for 14 days after leaving Hubei Province other than for seeking individual medical care.
Given the low number of cases in China reported outside of Hubei province, the AHPPC does not currently recommend self-isolation for travellers from other parts of China, or other countries. The Government is closely monitoring the development of cases outside of Hubei province and will update this advice if necessary.
In making these recommendations the AHPPC noted that the evidence for pre-symptomatic transmission of Novel Coronavirus is currently limited, and this policy is highly precautionary.
At this time, the aim of this policy is containment of novel coronavirus and the prevention of person to person transmission within Australia.
Further details of the extent of pre-symptomatic transmission is being monitored, and may result in changes to policy.
The Australian Government will continue to act on the advice of the medical experts.
We have communicated this update to all state and territory education ministers, and relevant education providers.
Our Government will continue to provide regular updates based on the latest expert medical advice.
The full advice can be found at – https://www.health.gov.au/news/statement-on-novel-coronavirus-on-behalf-of-the-australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc
Advice to the education sector can be found at – https://www.education.gov.au/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
Further information on the Novel Corona Virus can be found at –https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
