With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australia growing every day, the terms social distancing, self-isolation and essential and non-essential activities have become a big part of our day-to-day conversations. But what do these terms really mean, why are they important and how do we practice them effectively?
Social distancing
Some people who have COVID-19 don’t display any symptoms and may not even know they have it. That’s why maintaining physical distance between yourself and other people is the most effective way to slow and stop the spread of the virus.
COVID-19 spreads through droplet transmission – the small pieces of saliva produced when a person sneezes or coughs. These droplets don’t usually travel further than one metre through the air. To help stop the spread of the virus, the Australian Government introduced a 1.5 metre distancing rule.
Maintaining physical distance, practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding touching your face are all really important measures every individual needs to take.
Self-isolation
For anyone who has recently travelled overseas or has been in close contact with a possible case of COVID-19, as well as those at increased risk of serious illness if they contract the virus, self-isolation is recommended. Self-isolation is about eliminating all non-essential activities and remaining in your home to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
Essential activities include things like grocery shopping, purchasing medications or attending medical appointments. It’s important to consider all your interactions during this time. Some things that are non-essential, such as seeing your grandkids, may feel like an essential activity. Think about other ways you may be able to stay connected. Embrace technology and ask your family and friends to help you set up things like Facetime or other apps so you can feel connected.
With the help of our COVID-19 Expert Working Group, we’re answering your most frequently asked questions about social distancing and self-isolation, and providing you up-to-date information, tips and advice to support your during this time.
What to have at home
We have collated a list of items to have on hand which may make you feel more at ease during this time.
We encourage you to talk with your family and friends about how they can assist you by purchasing supplies on your behalf to reduce your need to go to places such as busy shopping centres.
To read this list and more information and advice for people living with lung disease and lung cancer, visit our COVID-19 website resources, here.
Free webinar – Looking after your mental health during COVID-19
Clinical Psychologist Debra Sandford will be joining us for a free webinar on Monday 30 March to discuss the importance of emotional well-being during this time.
This is the first webinar in our free Live Well, Breathe Better series which will cover a range of diseases and topics throughout the year.
To find out more and to register, click here.
Expert Working Group
We’ve formed an COVID-19 Expert Working Group with some of the leading respiratory experts in the country. This group will meet regularly to support our team in providing you with the most up-to-date information, support and guidance, and to answer your most asked questions.
Keep updated on the latest news via our website resources, here.
Maintain Movement
While Lungs in Action classes have been cancelled and gyms and public pool facilities have been closed, it’s still important to keep moving your body.
Our free Better Living with Exercise resource is a great tool to use to help you maintain your fitness during this time.
Stay tuned for our at-home exercise series coming soon.
We’re here for you
Remember our Information and Support Centre staff are available to connect you with resources and support services to help you during this time.
Also keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for the latest updates, including our upcoming home-based exercise series, Maintaining Movement.
Our Information and Support Centre is open Monday to Friday 8:00am-4:30pm (QLD).
To contact us please freecall 1800 654 301.