COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a strain of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). It was classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization as of March 2020.

As this pandemic evolves, and information emerges, ACON will continue to monitor the situation to ensure our communities are aware and can take action to stay safe.

As of March 2023:

• NSW is no longer in lockdown. Even so, it’s still important to make your own decisions in terms of risk management and to move with caution as transmission rates are still high with new variants circulating. 

• Physical distancing continues to be advised, and is one of the primary ways of preventing COVID-19 transmission. You can also:

  • wear masks in public is recommended, in particular the use of N95 or KN95 respirators, 

  • practise good hand hygiene, and use alcohol-based hand sanitisers when hand washing isn’t possible, 

  • stay active and healthy, 

  • attending health and mental health appointments via telehealth where possible, 

  • take extra care if you're around vulnerable people, including immunocompromised people. 

• Masks are strongly advised in areas where you cannot physically distance and are mandatory in a number of places, including indoor areas, public transport, aircrafts and more. You can find more details here. 

• Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccination.

  • The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends a 2023 COVID-19 booster dose for adults whose last vaccine dose or confirmed infection was 6+ months ago who are:

    • 65 years and over

    • 18-64 and with medical comorbidities that increase the risk of severe COVID-19

  • The ATGI advises that all adults 18-64 should consider a 2023 booster dose.

• It is advised you seek testing if you show any symptoms of COVID-19, even if you are not sure how it could have been transmitted to you. NSW testing facilities are listed on the NSW Health website here. For a list of potential symptoms, click here. 

  • Symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever (37.5 ° or higher); cough; sore throat; shortness of breath (difficulty breathing); loss of taste; loss of smell. Other reported symptoms of COVID-19 include fatigue, runny nose, muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting and loss of appetite 1. 

• Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT)s, are also now available in selected pharmacies if you are unable to test at a clinic. It is now required to register a positive RAT result, find out more here. 

Resources

• NSW Health

• Find a COVID testing clinic

• Translated Resources

• Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080. Call if you are seeking information about COVID-19

• Health Direct: 1800 022 222