Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can make humans and animals sick. Some coronaviruses can cause illness similar to the common cold and others can cause more serious diseases, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
COVID-19 updates
Queensland – 31/03/2021
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From 5pm AEST Monday 29 March to 5pm AEST Thursday 1 April:
- Contact tracing alerts for locations in greater Brisbane, Gladstone and Byron Bay
Service Update
Lungs in Action
Lung Foundation Australia is working directly with our Lungs in Action Instructors to ensure safety measures are in place to protect the health and wellbeing of our community. Some Lungs in Action classes have commenced with a COVID Safe plan in place. While all Lungs in Action instructors are required to abide by State and Territory health advice and restrictions, some venues may be operating on reduced capacity to accommodate social distancing guidelines or choose to delay reopening for other reasons. Please contact your Lungs in Action program to discuss availability and start dates. To find your nearest Lungs in Action group, please click here.
Lung Foundation Australia will communicate changes to the status of Lungs in Action classes via the Lung Foundation Australia website and social media channels. Please follow Lung Foundation Australia’s Facebook page to stay up to date.
Support Groups
Lung Foundation Australia is working with our face-to-face support groups to ensure safety measures are in place to protect the health and wellbeing of our community. In states and regions which have little or no community transmission of COVID-19, face to face groups may be able to recommence, if an approved COVID Safe Plan is adopted. Lung Foundation Australia will communicate COVID-19 service updates on our peer support webpages.
To find out more about our face-to-face, telephone and online peer support programs please click here.
What is coronavirus and COVID-19?
This new coronavirus disease, which originated in Hubei Province in China late in 2019, is named COVID-19 and it has been assessed as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation.
Current status in Australia
Last updated: 31/03/21
There have been 29,296 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 909 deaths in Australia.
Key advice
Stay home and get tested if you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) no matter how mild: including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of sense of smell or taste. Go home straight after your test and self-isolate while you wait for the results. You must not go to a workplace until you get your results.
Top tips for staying well during this time
Preventing the spread
Social distancing
Social distancing is one of the most important strategies for slowing the spread of COVID-19, as well as other viruses. These viruses typically spread via droplets so the more space between you and others, the harder it is for viruses to spread. While many states and territories have eased restrictions around Australia, the recent spike in Victoria is a timely reminder of the importance of continuing to practice social distancing. When you go out, maintain 1.5 metres between yourself and others, practice good hand hygiene and avoid touching your face.
Home hygiene
It’s also important to consider additional preventative cleaning measures to keep nasty bugs out of your home. You may also like to hang our free poster on your front door or window, which kindly asks people to stay away if they are unwell or to take additional precautions should they be invited in.
Maintain Healthy Habits
Physical Health
It’s important to include exercise and a healthy diet into your daily routine for both for your physical health and emotional wellbeing. While you may not be able to participate in your normal exercise routine or classes, it’s important to stay active and maintain your exercise habits while at home.
Find out more
Mental health
During this uncertain time, you may experience a range of emotions. It’s important to prioritise not only your physical, but emotional wellbeing during this time. We encourage you to use digital platforms to stay connected to your loved ones and try and maintain as much of a normal routine as you can. Read more tips and advice for looking after your wellbeing from Clinical Psychologist Debra Sandford.
Managing your condition
Now more than ever, it’s important to continue accessing your usual healthcare to manage your condition and symptoms. Telehealth and medicine delivery services may be available to you during this time. These services can help reduce your need to leave your house and reduce your exposure to viruses and bugs. Read more advice on how to best manage your condition through winter.
Vaccinate against flu and pneumonia
It is more important than ever to be vaccinated against influenza and, if indicated, pneumonia. While these vaccines won’t protect you from COVID-19, they will help to reduce the severity of flu and pneumonia which can cause complications with your current condition and lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to other illnesses. Make an appointment with your GP or pharmacist today. Please ensure you call ahead to ask what measures are in place to protect vulnerable community members from exposure to COVID-19.
Connect to care
During these times of uncertainty, it’s important to stay connected and informed. Lung Foundation Australia’s Information and Support Centre team are available to provide guidance and practical tips. We can connect you with resources and support services to help you during this time. You can reach our team during business hours via free call 1800 654 301.
