NSW Dept of Health issues myth-busters on coronavirus

·

The NSW Health has released a statement asking the public to be wary of false and misleading rumours, posts on social media and inaccurate reports regarding the spread of novel coronavirus in NSW.

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant stated that there have been multiple incorrect and alarmist social media posts regarding the spread and severity of the disease, prompting NSW Health to remind all residents to fact check.

“I ask the public to be aware of the facts about the novel coronavirus and take a moment to investigate unverified claims before they share them with others,” Dr Chant said.

Dr Chant said NSW Health was particularly keen to dispel five common myths about the novel coronavirus.

1. You should avoid Chinatown/shopping centres/suburbs with high Chinese- Australian populations – FALSE.

While four cases have been diagnosed in NSW to date, patients have been isolated until no longer infectious and there is no evidence that community transmission is occurring in NSW.

2. You can get the novel coronavirus from an imported package of food – FALSE.

The novel coronavirus does not appear to last very long on surfaces. Therefore imported products do not pose a risk of transmission of this virus.

3. Garlic and sesame oil will stop me from contracting novel coronavirus – FALSE.

The best way to protect yourself is the same as you would against any respiratory infection. Practice good hygiene by:

  • Covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow;
  • Making sure to clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub; and
  • Avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

4. The virus has mutated into a more lethal strain FALSE.

This was debunked by the World Health Organization (WHO).

5. Can I catch novel coronavirus from my pet? FALSE.

While the 2019-nCoV may have come from animals, domestic pets do not pose a risk of transmission in Australia.

Dr Chant said while there is still much to be learned about this strain, the illness appears less severe than SARS or MERS, and many people with the disease may have a mild illness.

All four confirmed cases in NSW were isolated after diagnosis and pose no ongoing threat of transmitting the infection.

“Further, anyone departing mainland China from 1 February 2020 is under 14 days home isolation, and NSW Health is screening arrivals from mainland China at Sydney International Airport,” Dr Chant said.

Since Sunday 2 February, a total of 7,397 people have been assessed at Sydney International Airport. A total of 39 were sent for testing.

This includes testing conducted yesterday (5 February) where 1,672 arrivals from mainland China were assessed at Sydney International Airport. 13 were sent for testing.

“Close contacts of the confirmed cases have been contacted by local Public Health Units and appropriate advice has been supplied.”

Health workers in NSW public hospitals and community-based GPs have been issued advice to help them identify any cases and apply careful infection control measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

You can find more facts regarding the virus by visiting NSW Health’s dedicated novel coronavirus page at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Pelagia Markogiannakis: Leading with courage in defence, infrastructure and beyond

With a distinguished career spanning the Australian Defence Force and the private sector, Pelagia Markogiannakis has broken barriers.

Honouring Pontian women: Pontoxeniteas NSW marks IWD 2025 with celebration

Pontoxeniteas NSW proudly celebrated International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 9, at the Pontian House in Earlwood, Sydney.

AHEPA NSW celebrates 190 years of Australian Hellenic women

AHEPA NSW Inc held a successful tribute to the 190th anniversary of the arrival of the first female Hellene migrants in Australia.

Estudiantina of Melbourne: Music tribute to Vasilis Tsitsanis, Sotiria Bellou in Sydney

Estudiantina of Melbourne is set to deliver an extraordinary evening of live music at Bankstown Sports Club on March 30, 2025.

Celebrating women’s strength and achievements at GOCSA’s IWD event

GOCSA hosted a remarkable IWD event celebrating the achievements and contributions of women throughout history and within the community.

You May Also Like

Greek island of Astypalea goes electric with Volkswagen transport deal

Popular tourist island, Astypalea, is set to be powered by green energy after Greece made a groundbreaking deal with Volkswagen Group.

Seniors encouraged to enhance digital skills during ‘Get Online Week’

It may be the time for your parents or grandparents to hop on social media as the NSW government encourages seniors to enhance their digital skills during Get Online Week.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA celebrates volunteers with Morning Tea

Within the framework of the National Volunteer Week, the Greek Orthodox Community of SA (GOCSA) honoured and acknowledged their volunteers.