Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for people with disability
Government response
Management and operational plan
We’ve developed a plan for people of all ages with disability, their families,
carers, support workers and the disability and health care sectors.
It provides high-level guidance on how to manage and prevent the transmission
of COVID-19 for people with disability and will be updated as needed.
Management and Operational Plan for People with
Disability
The Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus
guides the Australian health sector response. This management and operational
plan focuses on people with disability. There is an easy read version on this
page, too.
The plan was overseen by the Advisory Committee for the COVID-19 Response for
People with Disability.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for people with disability
Supporting people with disability
Home care providers
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guide for Home Care
Providers
This guide is for providers of aged care and disability services who offer
home care and support services to older people living at home and people with
disability living in the community. It provides information and guidance on
how to stay safe from coronavirus (COVID-19).


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for people with disability
Supporting people with disability
Health professionals
Information for health workers in emergency departments supporting people
with disability
This fact sheet provides information and guidance for health workers in
emergency departments (EDs) who provide health care to people with
intellectual or developmental disability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Information for health workers in hospitals supporting people with
disability
This fact sheet provides information and guidance for health workers in
hospitals who provide health care to people with intellectual or developmental
disability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Information for health workers supporting people with
disability
This fact sheet provides information and guidance for health workers providing
care to people with intellectual or developmental disability during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Information for health and mental health workers supporting people with
disability
This fact sheet provides information and guidance for health and mental health
workers providing care to people with intellectual or developmental disability
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Information for primary health care services supporting people with
disability
This fact sheet provides information and guidance for primary health care
staff and services, including general
practitioners (GPs), providing care to people with intellectual or
developmental disability during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for people with disability
Why people with disability are at risk
Some people with disability have higher rates of health issues including
chronic conditions and weakened immune system.
Many people with disability rely on support and assistance from family
members, carers and support workers.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for people with disability
Supporting people with disability
Support workers and carers
Information for Disability Support Providers and
Workers
This fact sheet provides information and guidance for disability support
providers and workers who provide health care to people with intellectual or
developmental disability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guide to personal protective equipment (PPE) for disability care
providers
This fact sheet provides information and guidance for disability care
providers on the use of PPE.
Information for support workers and carers on coronavirus (COVID-19) testing
for people with disability
Advice on who should be tested, where testing can be done, and how to explain
the testing process to a person with disability.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for people with disability
Protecting yourself
As we move towards a COVIDSafe Australia and states
and territories ease physical distancing measures, it’s vital to do everything
you can to continue to protect yourself and others from coronavirus:

good hygiene
physical distancing
avoiding public gatherings
if you are sick, stay home and if you have cold or flu-like symptoms get tested

Make sure you continue to go to any scheduled appointments with your doctor.
If you are worried about going to see them in person, contact them to arrange
a telehealth consultation.
You can also:

speak to your pharmacist about having medication delivered to you
consider getting groceries and other essentials delivered. A priority service is available for NDIS participants

Read the Department of Social Service's accessible, easy read, coronavirus
(COVID-19) resources.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for people with disability
Services and support
Telehealth services
You can access bulk-billed telehealth services from your doctor, nurse or
mental health professional via phone or videoconference. Learn more about
telehealth services.
Electronic prescriptions
We are fast tracking electronic prescription for up to 80% of general
practices and community pharmacies for those at greater risk of serious
illness.
Ordering prescription medications from home
You might be eligible to have prescription medications delivered from your
regular pharmacy through the Home Medicines Service.
Learn more about Home Medicines
Services or contact your
local pharmacist.
Stay connected and care for your mental health
Being isolated can be stressful and hard to manage. Learn more about how to
manage isolation.
Prioritising your mental wellbeing is an important part of staying healthy.
The Government’s Head to Health website is
the best place to start if you need some help coping with anxiety and worry
about coronavirus.
You can also visit the new Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support
Service provided by BeyondBlue.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers
Travel within Australia
Australians must avoid all non-essential domestic travel.
State and territory restrictions
States and territories can apply their own restrictions, including closing
their state borders and additional quarantine requirements. Find out more
about restrictions in your state or territory:

Australian Capital Territory:ACT Government travel advice
New South Wales: NSW Government travel and transport advice
Northern Territory:Northern Territory Government remote work and travel
Queensland: Queensland Government travel advice
South Australia:Government of South Australia cross-border travel
Tasmania:Tasmanian Government travellers and visitors
Victoria : Victoria State Government Health and Human Services
Western Australia:Government of Western Australia travel advice
Norfolk Island: Norfolk Island Regional Council COVID-19 advice
Indian Ocean Territories: Advice from the Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Remote area restrictions
The Australian Government is restricting travel to certain remote communities
(designated areas). These restrictions aim to protect Community Elders and
those already sick.
Before you can enter a designated area, you must quarantine for 14
days.
If you are already in a designated area, stay there unless it is essential to
leave for medical treatment.
Find out how to access remote designated
areas.
To view the maps of designated areas and to find out more, see:

Maps of designated biosecurity (travel restricted) areas
Stay in your community and if you can, stay home
Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements for Remote Communities) Determination 2020


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers
Travel to Australia
Australia’s borders are closed. Only Australian citizens, residents and
immediate family members can travel to Australia.
Travellers arriving from any country may undergo enhanced health screening on
arrival in Australia. All arrivals will be quarantined for 14 days and state
and territory travel restrictions may also apply.
The Information for international travellers fact
sheet is provided to travellers on arrival in Australia
and provides further information on current requirements.
Learn more about who can enter Australia from the Department of Home
Affairs.
Australian Border Force liaison officers at overseas airports will work with
airlines to identify anyone who should not board a flight to Australia.
Restrictions on international travel remain for now.
National Cabinet has agreed to a 3-step plan to create a COVIDSafe society.
Under Step 3, interstate travel and the possibility of travel to New Zealand
will be considered.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers
Travel to Australia
Spirit of Tasmania
The restrictions on cruise
ships do not
apply to the Spirit of Tasmania, to allow Tasmanians to travel home.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers
Travel to Australia
In-flight
If you are on an international flight and show signs of an infectious disease:

the airline must report you to biosecurity officers
biosecurity officers will assess you before you get off the plane
you may be required to quarantine or referred to a hospital

If you are unwell on a flight, you will be identified and referred for
assessment when you arrive at your destination.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers
Travel to Australia
Quarantine for arriving travellers
Since 29 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Australia by air or sea must
be isolated in mandatory quarantine accommodation for 14
days from their arrival, with
few exceptions. After mandatory quarantine, they can transit domestically and
travel home.
These requirements are managed and enforced by state and territory governments
with Australian Government support, including from the Australian Defence
Force and Australian Border Force.
Travellers are quarantined in the city they arrive in for 14 days, even if
they don’t normally live there or plan to travel elsewhere in Australia from
there.
Most quarantine accommodation is being managed by state and territory
governments. They will:

handle transport for travellers from their arrival point to their quarantine accommodation
manage quarantine arrangements at the accommodation facility

To find out more about the quarantine requirements in your state or territory,
or to ask about someone you know who has been quarantined, contact your state
or territory government health department.
The Chief Medical Officer can, in consultation with the Australian Health
Protection Principal Committee, declare a
Human Health Response Zone (HHRZ) to support quarantine and isolation
procedures. Mandatory quarantine arrangements are mostly being managed under
state and territory public health legislation.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers
Travel from Australia
There is a ban on all overseas travel, with few exceptions.
Since 25 March 2020, all Australian citizens and permanent residents have
been prohibited from travelling out of
Australia unless
granted an exemption.
To find out more, go to Smartraveller’s coronavirus (COVID-19)
information.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers
Travel to Australia
Exemptions from mandatory quarantine
The following groups may be exempt from the 14 day mandatory quarantine
requirements when entering Australia. While these groups are exempt from
mandatory quarantine, all arrivals into Australia must continue to
practise physical distancing, cough etiquette and hand hygiene. Other
requirements, such as isolation, may still apply.
Unaccompanied minors
Unaccompanied minors will be allowed to travel domestically after entering
Australia to quarantine with a parent or guardian at their home.
Transit passengers

International transit passengers arriving into Australia are able to depart on another international flight if the following conditions are met:
If the individual has up to 8 hours until the departing international flight, they must remain at the airport and be permitted to onward travel, maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene.
If 8-72 hours before the departing flight, they must go to mandatory quarantine at the state designated facility until the time of the departing flight.

No domestic onward travel is allowed, even if this is to meet a departing international flight. These people should go into mandatory quarantine at the state designated facility at the first point of arrival.

Diplomats

Australia has legal obligations under the Vienna Convention to ensure diplomats freedom of movement and travel, and protection from detention. Diplomats are not required to undertake 14 days of mandatory quarantine on arrival into Australia.

Diplomats should isolate at their mission or in their usual place of residence on arrival for 14 days.

Diplomats must continue to practise physical distancing, cough etiquette and hand hygiene.

Compassionate or medical grounds
Applications on medical or compassionate grounds should be submitted to the
relevant state or territory who will consider requests on a case-by-case
basis.
See contact details for state or territory public health agencies.
Industry exemptions
The following industry groups may also be exempt from mandatory quarantine:

Aviation crew
Maritime crew (excluding cruise ships).

For further information on industry exemptions, please refer to our COVID-19
resources for the travel industry.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers
Travel to Australia
Cruise ships
Since 27 March 2020 additional restrictions on cruise ships, including
domestic cruises, have been in place. All foreign cruise ships are legally
required to leave Australian waters and no foreign cruise ships may enter
Australian waters (except for some limited exceptions).
Before this, on 15 March, the Government announced a ban on the entry of
cruise ships that had left a foreign port. Cruise ships could apply for an
exemption to arrive at an Australian port if they were already underway and
returning home.
Australian Border Force and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are
working to bring people back to Australia who were on a cruise when the ban
was announced. They will then work to get passengers to their home
destinations, either in Australia or overseas.
Cruise ship crews are not exempt from the mandatory quarantine requirements.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers
Stay informed
Whether you’re travelling in Australia or overseas, make sure you know the
facts about COVID-19.
Keep informed through our COVID-19 news and media.
Smartraveller
Visit the Smartraveller website regularly to check for international
developments and subscribe to updates.
Consular assistance 1300 555 135
Smartraveller
View contact


Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Australia – Pandemic Health Intelligence Plan
Why we need a pandemic health intelligence plan
We must remain vigilant to prevent a ‘second wave’ of infection as public
health-related restrictions are relaxed.
While the current number of COVID-19 cases in Australia is low, it is likely
there are people who are unknowingly infected and could spread the virus.
The Pandemic Health Intelligence Plan is designed to inform
decisions on adjusting the measures in place to suppress the spread of
COVID-19 in Australia. By using intelligence and surveillance we can consider
both our readiness to adjust restrictions and the outcome of changes we have
already made.
The plan includes 4 broad intelligence inputs, delivering objective measures
and indicators which will be the basis for decisions about safe, gradual
adjustment of our response measures.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Australia – Pandemic Health Intelligence Plan
Community acceptance and adherence

Effectiveness of measures depends on the community understanding, accepting and following public health advice.
The plan includes monitoring how well the public is adhering to health guidance, including community attitudes, transport and traffic movements, and movement data.

Gathering this information will allow Australian governments to make evidence-
based decisions about the measures required to continue to suppress the spread
of COVID-19 during the next phases of our response.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
Coronavirus Supplement
On 22 March 2020, the Government announced it will provide a temporary payment
of $550 per fortnight, known as the Coronavirus Supplement, to new and
existing eligible income support recipients. On 24 March 2020, the Government
extended the eligibility criteria for this payment to Australians receiving
student support payments including Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY.
Eligible recipients will receive the Coronavirus Supplement from 27 April 2020
along with their usual payment.
Eligibility for the Coronavirus Supplement is for people receiving the
following payments:

JobSeeker Payment (formerly known as Newstart Allowance)
Youth Allowance
Sickness Allowance
ABSTUDY (Living Allowance)
Austudy
Parenting Payment
Partner Allowance
Widow Allowance
Farm Household Allowance
Special Benefit.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
First Economic Support Payment
On 12 March 2020, the Government announced it will provide an Economic Support
payment of $750 to approximately 6.8 million existing payment recipients and
concession card holders that are eligible as at 12 March 2020. On 22 March
2020, the eligibility criteria for this payment was extended to new payment
recipients who are eligible for their payment or card between 12 March 2020 to
13 April 2020 (inclusive). As long as someone had lodged a claim for an
eligible payment and was eligible for that payment by 13 April 2020, they
should have already received this economic support payment via Services
Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Payments were made from 31
March 2020 and would have been received by the majority of recipients by 17
April 2020.
Eligibility for the first Economic Support payment was for the following
payment recipients and concession cardholders, given that they resided in
Australia and were eligible as at 13 April 2020:

Age Pension
Disability Support Pension
Carer Payment
Parenting Payment
Wife Pension
Widow B Pension
ABSTUDY (Living Allowance)
Austudy
Bereavement Allowance
JobSeeker Payment (formerly Newstart Allowance)
Youth Allowance
Partner Allowance
Sickness Allowance
Special Benefit
Widow Allowance
Family Tax Benefit, including Double Orphan Pension
Carer Allowance
Pensioner Concession Card holders
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders
Veteran Service Pension; Veteran Income Support Supplement; Veteran Compensation payments, including lump sum payments; War Widow(er) Pension; and Veteran Payment
DVA PCC holders; DVA Education Scheme recipients; Disability Pensioners at the temporary special rate; DVA Income support pensioners at $0 rate
Veteran Gold Card holders
Farm Household Allowance.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
Temporary Exemptions From Mutual Obligations
On 14 May 2020, the Government announced that mutual obligation requirements
will continue to be suspended until 1 June 2020 as a result of the impact of
COVID-19. This extends the exemptions which were due to end on 22 May, as
announced on 22 April 2020.
This means that during this period no compliance action will be taken for job
seekers who do not report their attendance at appointments or activities,
which means no one's payments will be suspended. The Government will continue
to review these arrangements regularly.
Please visit the Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business's
webpage for further
Ministerial announcements.
The Government also announced a number of changes to mutual obligation
requirements to reduce or eliminate the need for face-to-face contact, when
requested by a job seeker or job service provider. The changes include:

Job seekers will have the option to request that face to face meetings with their job service providers take place over the phone or via an online channel such as Skype;
Job seekers will be able to complete activities such as online training, creating job plans, writing a CV and preparing job applications online;
Job Plans will be adjusted to a default requirement of four job searches a month (or fewer, at provider discretion) to reflect the softening labour market conditions.
Work for the Dole and other activities delivered in group settings that cannot be delivered online will be suspended until further notice;
Jobs Fairs and other large events will be postponed; and
Job service providers will be required to perform new risk assessments for a range of activities like Youth Jobs PaTH internships.

Current income support recipients who cannot meet mutual obligation
requirements due to isolation should call Services
Australia and can be granted a Major
Personal Crisis exemption, without having to provide evidence such as a
medical certificate.
Students receiving Youth Allowance (student) or other study related payments
who are in Australia but unable to attend studies due to coronavirus would be
taken to have a reasonable excuse for not meeting study activity requirements
for their payments. Individuals in this situation must contact Services
Australia to advise them of the circumstances.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
People with disability
The Government released the Management and operational plan for COVID-19 for
people with disability on 17 April. This plan sets out a national approach to
ensure that the healthcare needs of people with disability, their families and
carers can be met during the pandemic, including access to appropriate
screening, prevention and health care. You can find the full details of the
plan on the Department of Health
website.
The department understands that people with disability, their carers and their
families may be particularly affected by coronavirus.
People with disability who need help because of coronavirus can contact the
Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787. More information, links,
resources and support are available on the department’s Disability and
carer's webpage.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
Whole of Government Response to coronavirus
The Australian Government is providing a range of measures to address the
global health crisis related to coronavirus. Please visit The Treasury's
webpage for information on the
economic response to coronavirus including details of the JobKeeper payment
scheme and an overview of the Government's targeted economic response
packages.
For Department of Social Services specific related measures, please visit the
Minister for Families and Social Services'
webpage for Ministerial
announcements.
For general health information and advice on coronavirus, please visit the
Department of Health's webpage.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
Reduction in the Partner Income Test Taper Rate
The Government has decided to reduce the JobSeeker Payment Partner Income Test
taper rate from 60 cents to 25 cents from 27 April 2020. This will allow more
couples to access payment where one of the couple loses their job and goes
onto JobSeeker Payment, and the working partner is on a more modest income.
The Government is committed to assisting Australians affected by the
coronavirus outbreak through a range of measures in the social security
system. A temporary change to the partner income test will ensure that couples
who experience an economic shock that results in one partner losing their job
or having their earnings reduced, are able to access income support or have
their existing entitlement increased.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
Expanding Eligibility and Qualification for Payments
The Government also temporarily put in place expanded eligibility and
qualification criteria from 25 March 2020.
Eligibility for JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance for jobseekers have been
expanded to assist:

sole traders and self-employed people. They will be able to meet mutual obligation requirements by continuing to operate their businesses.
permanent employees who have been stood down or lost their job.
people caring for someone infected or in isolation as a result of contact with Coronavirus.

The following eligibility criteria have also been temporarily waived, for
certain payments:

the assets test
the Ordinary Waiting Period (already waived until 12 June 2020)
the Liquid Assets Waiting Period
the Seasonal Workers Preclusion Period
the Newly Arrived Residents Waiting Period.

Also from 25 March 2020, access to payments will become easier with a
temporary removal of the requirement for an Employment Separation Certificate,
proof of rental arrangements and verification of relationship status.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
Employment Fund
To further assist job seekers to prepare for and move quickly back into work,
the Morrison Government is also bringing forward the Employment Fund credit
for the most job-ready job seekers to be available immediately, rather than
after 13 weeks, which is currently the case.
This change will apply to job seekers who commence in jobactive from 4 May
2020.
The Employment Fund can be used by employment service providers to purchase
work-related items including licenses, equipment, training or qualifications
to ensure workers are prepared and able to take up critical roles in the
economy.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
Emergency Assistance and Support
Information on immediate emergency assistance or support available for those
affected by coronavirus:

For national emergency relief services, including food, clothing, vouchers or help with bills, contact your local arm of The Salvation Army or St Vincent De Paul.
For local emergency relief providers search 'Financial Crisis and Material Aid – Emergency Relief' at serviceproviders.dss.gov.au. Please note provider details are updated regularly but may not be current at the time of your search.
For financial counselling, including advice on managing debt, contact the free and confidential National Debt Helpline by calling 1800 007 007. Or visit MoneySmart for advice to help you manage your money.
• For those experiencing domestic violence, please contact 1800 RESPECT. Mensline Australia and the Men's Referral Service also offer support to people using violence. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 000
Lifeline offers personal crisis support services. Call 131 114 at any time. Kids Helpline is a free service for young people aged 5 to 25. Kids, teens and young adults can call 1800 551 800 at any time.
Those on a low income may be eligible to apply for a 'No Interest Loan'. For more information and details on how to apply, visit Good Shepherd Microfinance.
To test eligibility for income support payments including JobSeeker, contact Services Australia by visiting servicesaustralia.gov.au.
For more information on how the JobKeeper payment impacts Disability Support Pension (DSP) and Carer Payment (CP) recipients, please see COVID-19 Impact on DSP and CP and JobKeeper Recipients - Fact Sheet
For advice on how to seek medical help or to get tested for coronavirus, contact your state or territory health authority, or call the coronavirus helpline on 1800 020 080 at any time.
Latest news, advice and public health information is available at Australia.gov.au, or download on the 'Coronavirus Australia' app from the Apple and Google Play stores.
There are a number of Government funded crisis and support services to help people during the coronavirus pandemic. Download a list of dedicated online and telephone-based services for people with disability, older Australians, carers and for people experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
Second Economic Support Payment
The Government announced on 22 March 2020, it would provide a second Economic
Support payment of $750 to approximately 5 million recipients under the same
eligibility criteria as the first Economic Support payment, provided the
recipient does not receive the Coronavirus Supplement with their payment. If
recipients are eligible at 10 July 2020, this second Economic Support payment
will be automatically paid via Services Australia or the Department of
Veterans’ Affairs. Payments will be made from 13 July onwards.
Please visit the Services Australia
website for more information on each
individual payment.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
Reduction in the Partner Income Test Taper Rate
What is the change?

Under the current allowance income test, the income a person's partner earns is taken into account when determining their rate of payment. Over the partner income free area of $994 per fortnight, every dollar of income reduces the person's JobSeeker Payment by 60 cents.
For JobSeeker Payment (including Energy Supplement), the current cut-out for a couple in which only one partner earns income is $1,858.50 per fortnight or $48,321 per annum.
From 27 April 2020 the taper rate for the partner income test associated with JobSeeker Payment will change from 60c to 25c. This change is temporary and will operate until the Coronavirus Supplement ceases to be payable. As a result of this change, the new partner income test cut-out for JobSeeker Payment will be $3,068.80 per fortnight, or $79,788.80 per year.
New and existing JobSeeker Payment recipients whose payment rate is adjusted because of partner income will benefit from this proposal.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
Simplifying Income Reporting
The Government is also creating flexibility associated with the commencement
of the Simplifying Income Reporting Act, which was due to start on 1 July
2020. This will allow for the commencement date to be set taking into account
the effect of the Coronavirus on income support recipients and Services
Australia resources.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for employers
Apprentices and Trainees
The Australian Government is supporting small business to retain their
apprentices and trainees
through a wage subsidy. Find out about Supporting Apprentices and
Trainees.
Further information is also available at the Australian
Apprenticeships
website.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for employers
Subsidised infection control training fast-tracked for re-opening businesses
The Australian Government together with state and territory governments have
established a new $80 million Infection Control Training Fund to fast-track
fee free (or low cost) infection control training to support the re-opening of
customer-facing businesses nationwide. The infection control short courses are
the first national training products developed by the new Australian Industry
Skills Emergency Response Sub-Committee in response to COVID-19.
Employers are encouraged to visit
training.gov.au to find out
more information about the training and contact their local training providers
or skills departments in their state and territory to find out where this
training is available for their employees.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for employers
Looking to hire?
While many businesses have been adversely affected by COVID-19 and are
reducing their workforces, there are some areas of the economy which have an
increased demand for workers. In this rapidly changing jobs market the
Australian Government has increased the support available for businesses
looking to hire.
If you are looking to recruit, you can email our Workforce Contact
Centre who can add your advertised vacancies to
the Jobs Hub or provide guidance on how to
post a vacancy on jobactive.gov.au.
If you have large recruitment needs a departmental representative will talk to
you about other options to assist with your recruitment such as connecting you
with an employment services provider or recently retrenched or stood down
workers.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for higher education providers
Short, online courses available
Short, online courses for workers who have been affected by COVID-19 are
listed on Course Seeker. For a list of courses, fees or enrolment information,
visit www.CourseSeeker.edu.au.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for higher education providers
Clinical education during the COVID-19 pandemic
As health service providers respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, some student
placements have been paused or cancelled. The Australian Government, the
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), national boards and
accreditation authorities, want to encourage student placements to continue
where this is safe and possible, recognising that health services and
supervising clinicians will need to balance the risks and benefits to students
and the health workforce.
A set of principles for student clinical education have ben
developed to help guide these decisions.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for higher education providers
Higher Education Relief Package
On 12 April 2020, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, the Minister for Education and
Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and
Family Business, announced the Higher Education Relief Package.
The package will support workers displaced by the COVID-19 crisis to upskill
or retrain, and support universities and other higher education providers to
continue teaching


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for higher education providers
Departmental higher education activities delayed
To reduce administrative burden for higher education providers while they
respond to the COVID‑19 situation, the Department of Education, Skills and
Employment will be delaying a number of higher education activities, such as
reports and data required from higher education providers.
Further details are available on the specific activities that have been
delayed or deferred.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for international students
Support and wellbeing
Access to superannuation for international students
On 4 April 2020 , the Government announced international students who have
been in Australia for longer than 12 months and who find themselves in
financial hardship during the coronavirus crisis will be able to access their
Australian superannuation.
For more information see the
announcement.
Health and wellbeing support
To find out how you can seek help if you are experiencing distress, anxiety or
concern as an international student as a result of COVID-19, read the Support
for international students affected by coronavirus fact sheet.

Support for international students affected by coronavirus


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for job seekers
Jobs Hub
In this rapidly changing jobs market the Australian Government is supporting
businesses and those Australians looking for work.
While many businesses have been adversely affected by COVID-19 and are
reducing their workforces, there are some areas of the economy which have an
increased demand for workers.
This includes jobs in health and care sectors, transport and logistics, some
areas of retail, mining and mining services, manufacturing, agriculture and
government sectors, among others.
The Jobs Hub helps you find advertised vacancies.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for job seekers
Exisiting job seekers
If you are a current job seeker or participant, this fact sheet provides
important information about mutual obligation requirements, appointments with
your provider, and what to do if you are self-isolating:

Information for job seekers and participants

If you are participating in the ParentsNext program, this fact sheet provides
important information about your activities and appointments.

Information for ParentsNext participants

ParentsNext participants Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a New Business Assistance with NEIS participant, these Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ) provides information about accessing the Coronavirus
Supplement and what support is available during this time:

New Business Assistance with NEIS participants - Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a New Business Assistance with NEIS provider, these Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ) provides information about supporting NEIS participants
during the Coronavirus situation.

New Business Assistance with NEIS providers – Frequently Asked Questions

*[NEIS]: New Enterprise Incentive Scheme


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for job seekers
Mutual obligation requirements for job seekers will recommence, in a limited capacity, from Tuesday 9 June 2020
Mutual obligation requirements for job seekers will recommence, in a limited
capacity, from Tuesday 9 June 2020.
During this period, suspensions and financial penalties will not apply.
Mutual obligation requirements remain suspended up to and including Monday 8
June 2020 to ensure job seekers and employment service providers are given
time to prepare for the new arrangements.
From Tuesday 9 June 2020 job seekers will be required to undertake at least
one appointment with their employment services provider. This can be done
online or over the phone.
Job seekers are encouraged to maintain contact with their employment services
provider at this time to ensure they are aware of opportunities available for
training, upskilling or employment.
Special circumstances exemptions will continue to be available from Services
Australia for job seekers who require them.
Sole traders and those who are self-employed will continue to be exempted from
requirements to allow them to work to re-establish their business.
These arrangements are supporting Australians through the challenges presented
by COVID-19.
Details of further changes to mutual obligation requirements will be made
available in the coming weeks.
You can also visit jobactive.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for schools and students
AHPPC Statement: Risk management for re-opening Boarding Schools and School-based Residential Colleges
On 1 May 2020, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC)
released health advice for the re-
opening of boarding schools and school-based residential colleges. This advice
is designed to assist boarding and school-based residential colleges to plan
for the safe re-opening of their facilities and lower the risk of transmission
of COVID-19 in these settings.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for schools and students
Reducing potential risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools
On 24 April 2020 , the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee
(AHPPC) released health advice in relation to
reducing the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools. This
practical guidance and advice has been prepared for school leaders engaging
with children, parents, teachers and support staff to reduce even further the
relatively low risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission in schools during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
This updated advice supersedes the advice issued on 16 April 2020.
You can read more on the Department of
Health’s website.
The Department of Education, Skills and Employment has developed a series of
posters with information and tips for school staff, high school and secondary
school students, and primary school students on how to minimise the risk of
COVID-19 transmission in schools. The posters may be downloaded and printed
for use in schools.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) — Help stop the spread – resource for teachers and
school staff
Coronavirus (COVID-19) — Help stop the spread – resource for primary school
students
Coronavirus (COVID¬-19) — Help stop the spread – resources for high school
and secondary school students


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for schools and students
Resources for teachers and school leaders
The department has collated a series of resources that may be useful for
teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find these on the Resources
for teachers and school leaders page.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for schools and students
Senior secondary arrangements and university admissions
On 7 April 2020 the Education Council
met by teleconference to discuss options for senior secondary arrangements and
university admissions. The council agreed that students will be able to
achieve a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education this year, and that
certificate will facilitate access to university, further education and
employment. The Council also endorsed a set of national principles to be
considered by the National Cabinet to support continued delivery of high-
quality school education for all students during COVID-19. For more
information read the Council’s
Communique.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for schools and students
Information about
Education Ministers met on 20 March 2020 and decided that NAPLAN will not
proceed in 2020. The NAPLAN test window was scheduled to be held from 12 to 22
May.
The decision to not proceed with NAPLAN in 2020 has been taken to assist
school leaders, teachers and support staff to focus on the wellbeing of
students and continuity of education, including potential online and remote
learning. Further, the impact of responses to the COVID-19 virus may affect
the delivery of NAPLAN testing, including the operation of centralised marking
centres and the implications for nationally comparable data if an insufficient
number of students are available to do the test.
Further detail regarding this
decision
is available.
*[NAPLAN]: National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for schools and students
New Research
The Australian Government commissioned six pieces of research to examine the
potential impact of remote learning from home on educational outcomes for
vulnerable cohorts of children, and barriers to access and evidence-based
actions to respond.

Professor Natalie Brown – The Peter Underwood Centre
Professor Geoff Masters – ACER
Professor Janet Clinton - Centre for Program Evaluation, Melbourne Graduate School of Education
Professor Stephen Lamb – Centre for International Research on Education Systems
Professor Sarah O’Shea National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education
Dr Alan Finkel AO FAA FTSE FAHMS - Rapid Research Information Forum


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for schools and students
COVID-19 support available to non-government schools
The Government is providing assistance of up to $100,000 to help eligible
small and medium sized businesses and not-for profit organisations with their
cash flow so they can keep operating.

COVID-19 support for non-government schools

Early Access to Recurrent Funding
The Government will also bring forward the July 2020 recurrent school funding
payment for non-government schools that were providing a physical learning
environment for students from the commencement of Term 2, 2020 and at 2 May
had a plan to be open and delivering education in a standard classroom setting
by 1 June 2020. Non-government schools can find out more about this by
visiting the Schools Hub.
Families should continue to talk with their school about operational matters.
Special Circumstances – School Hygiene Assistance Fund
To help ensure non-government schools can put appropriate hygiene measures in
place, the Australian Government will provide an additional $10 million to
improve COVID-19 hygiene measures in non-government schools that plan to have
50 per cent of their students back in the classroom by 1 June 2020. Special
Circumstances funding will to help offset hygiene costs for items such as
soap, hand sanitiser, classroom cleaning products and additional cleaning that
may be required.
More information is available on the Special Circumstances - school hygiene
assistance page.


Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for schools and students
Support for students with disability
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that every student,
including students with disability, have access to education in a sustainable
and effective manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advice is available for schools and parents to ensure students
continue to receive reasonable adjustments. Guidance and
resources are also available to assist with learning at home.


Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme - supporting the flow of credit
Information for small and medium businesses
The Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme will provide small and medium sized
business with timely access to working capital to help them get through the
impact of the Coronavirus.
The Government will provide eligible lenders with a guarantee for loans with
the following terms:

SMEs, including sole traders, with a turnover of up to $50 million.
Maximum total size of loans of $250,000 per borrower.
Loans will be up to three years, with an initial six month repayment holiday.
Unsecured finance, meaning that borrowers will not have to provide an asset as security for the loan.

The decision on whether to extend credit, and management of the loan, will
remain with the lender. However, the Government expects that lenders will look
through the cycle to sensibly take into account the uncertainty of the current
economic conditions when determining whether credit should be extended.
As part of the loan products available, the Government will encourage lenders
to provide facilities to SMEs that only have to be drawn if needed by the SME.
This will mean that the SME would only incur interest on the amount they draw
down. If they do not draw down any funds from the facility, no interest will
be charged, but they will retain the flexibility to draw down funds should the
need arise.
SMEs interested in the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme should approach their
financial institution for more information. The Government is working with
banks and other eligible lenders to ensure loans are available as soon as
possible. While the scheme officially commences from April 2020, your bank or
other lenders may be able to provide credit sooner, and still benefit from the
guarantee.
The Treasurer has varied the authorisation conditions for the Australian
Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) scheme to limit the matters that AFCA
can consider in relation to certain decisions made by lenders under the
Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme.
Under the AFCA Scheme Authorisation (Additional Condition) Amendment
2020, the AFCA Scheme
Rules will be amended to limit AFCA’s ability to consider decisions made by
the lender about whether to provide a loan (and the amount of the loan) under
the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme and ensure that when making assessments
or determinations about a complaint, AFCA gives consideration to the impact of
the coronavirus on the economy and the intent and requirements of the Scheme.
The amendments to AFCA’s authorisation conditions also apply to decisions made
by lenders (all lenders and not only those lenders that are participating
lenders under the Scheme) to approve repayment deferrals for businesses in
response to the coronavirus crisis. The amendments exclude from AFCA’s remit
complaints in relation to decisions by lenders to offer repayment deferrals to
businesses impacted by the coronavirus, and any consequential change to the
amounts payable under the loan or the duration of the loan.
AFCA will amend its Scheme Rules to give effect to this change and provide
further guidance for businesses and lenders. The changes to the rules will
apply for complaints made after 25 April 2020.
View the list of participating lenders.


Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme - supporting the flow of credit
Information for participating lenders
Due to high demand, the expression of interest (EOI) process for the
Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme is now closed. Further information will be
provided on the Treasury website if the Government seeks to undertake another
round of EOIs in the future.


Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme - supporting the flow of credit
Allocation principles for the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme
The Commonwealth will initially allocate the majority of the total $40 billion
guaranteed loan allocation following an expression of interest process.
The Commonwealth may allocate the guaranteed loan allocation on the basis that
some or all of the allocation must be utilised, or expected to the utilised,
by a specified date.
For example, if a large lender were to seek a $8 billion allocation, the
Commonwealth may provide an allocation to a lender of:

$6 billion on an unconditional basis; plus
$2 billion on a conditional basis, to be available only if the unconditional component is utilised, or expected to utilised, over the six month period.

The Commonwealth will in its discretion re-allocate unused conditional
allocation amounts as required.
Lenders should provide information to Treasury which they consider appropriate
to support their application.
Treasury may request further information from lenders to support their
application. Lenders should be in a position to provide additional information
if requested, for instance:

the lender's expertise extending SME credit on an unsecured and secured basis;
the lender's organisational capacity to quickly extend SME credit (using current business portfolio size and market share as a proxies);
the implications of lender’s proposed allocation in terms of percentage and absolute growth in their business lending portfolio;
the lender’s financial strength and the robustness of the lender’s credit risk management framework; and
for mid-sized and smaller banks, and non-bank lenders, the lender’s ability to meet underserviced regional areas or other specific needs.

Non-bank lenders may submit expressions of interest. However, such
applications will be subject to additional scrutiny compared to bank lenders,
which are licenced and supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation
Authority (APRA).
The Commonwealth is unlikely to grant an allocation to non-bank lenders or
other entities with:

less than $50 million in assets, and/or
limited pre-existing SME lending experience.

The Commonwealth will make allocation decisions at its discretion, taking into
account:

the factors referenced above;
the total quantum of all lenders' requested allocation at that point in time;
the benefit of promoting competition by mid-sized and smaller banks, and non-bank lenders.

The Commonwealth will consult with APRA in relation to expressions of interest
received from ADIs.


Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
Health & safety in the workplace
Workplaces must follow the rules about health and safety during coronavirus to
help stop it spreading. Find out more about:

rules and obligations under workplace health and safety laws
how to manage the risk of coronavirus in the workplace
where to go for help.

Learn more about Health and safety in the workplace during
coronavirus.


Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
Business bankruptcy & insolvency
During these challenging and unprecedented times, some businesses may need to
close because they are no longer profitable or run out of money.
This can mean that employees lose their jobs, and in some cases where a
business is bankrupt or goes into insolvency, employers may not be able to pay
their employees the wages and entitlements they’re owed.
When an employer is bankrupt, or goes into liquidation or insolvency,
employees may be able to get help through the Fair Entitlements Guarantee.
Sometimes, an employer might close their business and abandon it without
placing it into liquidation. Where this happens, the Australian Securities and
Investments Commission (ASIC) may be able to help recover unpaid employment
entitlements.
More information:

Bankruptcy & liquidation
Fair Entitlements Guarantee


Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
Using paid leave
Employers and employees are encouraged to explore options that enable an
employee to take their accrued leave entitlements during the coronavirus
outbreak. Options include:

taking accrued annual leave
taking any other paid leave (such as long service leave or paid leave available under an award, enterprise agreement or employment contract)
directing employees to take accrued annual leave in certain circumstances
taking any other paid leave by agreement between the employee and the employer.

Employers may also choose to give employees extra paid leave that is above
their minimum entitlements for a period of time (e.g. instead of standing down
the employee without pay).
Under the new JobKeeper changes to the Fair Work Act, qualifying employers can
request an employee take paid annual leave, and agree with the employee for
them to take leave at half pay.
Learn more:

JobKeeper changes to the Fair Work Act
Pay and leave during coronavirus


Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
Using unpaid leave
In many circumstances, employees won’t have access to paid leave during the
coronavirus outbreak. For example, if they are permanent but have already used
all their accrued leave entitlements. In these situations, employers and
employees can agree for an employee to take unpaid leave.
Under the Fair Work Act, unpaid leave is also available for employees in
certain circumstances, such as unpaid carer’s leave for casual employees.
Learn more:

Pay and leave during coronavirus

More information:

Unpaid carer’s leave


Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
Standing down employees & business closures
Employers may be able to stand their employees down without pay during the
coronavirus outbreak for a number of different reasons. These can include
where:

the business has closed because of an enforceable government direction relating to non-essential services (which means there is no work at all for employees to do even from another location)
a large proportion of the workforce is in self-quarantine meaning the remaining employees can’t be usefully employed
there’s a stoppage of work due to lack of supply for which the employer can’t be held responsible
a ‘qualified employer’ is using a JobKeeper enabling stand down direction in accordance with the new temporary JobKeeper changes to the Fair Work Act.

Enterprise agreements and employment contracts can have different or extra
rules about when an employer can stand down an employee without pay, for
example, a requirement to notify or consult.
Employees that are stood down remain employed during the period of the stand
down.
Learn more about:

JobKeeper changes to the Fair Work Act
Stand down during coronavirus


Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
Ending employment
If other options have been exhausted, or if they aren’t feasible, some
employers may need to make their employees’ positions redundant in response to
a business downturn caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Where this happens,
employers must make sure they comply with any requirement to notify and
consult about the redundancies under an applicable award, enterprise
agreement, employment contract or workplace policy. They also need to make
reasonable efforts to find their employees other jobs either within the
business or within one of its associated entities.
They also need to provide those employees with their correct entitlements,
which may include notice, redundancy pay and payment of any accrued leave
entitlements.
The Fair Work Act protects employees from being dismissed for a number of
reasons, including:

because they are temporarily away from work because they are sick (such as with coronavirus)
discrimination
any reason that is harsh, unjust or unreasonable or another protected right.

Flexibility in the workplace allows employers and employees to make
arrangements about working conditions that suit them. Employers and employees
need to consider and comply with any requirements under the Fair Work Act, an
applicable award, enterprise agreement, employment contract or workplace
policy.
Learn more:

Ending employment and redundancy during coronavirus

Tools:

Notice and Redundancy Calculator


Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
Arranging flexible work
There are a range of flexible working arrangements that employers and
employees can explore together that may suit their individual needs and
circumstances. These include:

working from home
changing the number of hours an employee works
changing the start or finish times of employees' shifts
changing patterns of work, such as rostering arrangements
changing the type of work done by employees.

Flexibility in the workplace allows employers and employees to make
arrangements about working conditions that suit them. Employers and employees
need to consider and comply with any requirements under the Fair Work Act, an
applicable award, enterprise agreement, employment contract or workplace
policy.
Under the new JobKeeper changes to the Fair Work Act, in certain
circumstances, qualifying employers can temporarily change employees’ usual
duties and locations of work, and agree with their employee to change days and
times of work.
Learn more about arranging flexible work during coronavirus:

JobKeeper changes to the Fair Work Act
Alternative work arrangements during coronavirus
Temporary changes to workplace laws during coronavirus

More information:

Flexibility in the workplace
Flexible working arrangements


Coronavirus and changes to bankruptcy laws
Impacts to people in a Debt Agreement
What can people in an active Debt Agreement do if they are affected by the
Coronavirus?
If you are in an active Debt Agreement and your circumstances have changed as
a result of the Coronavirus, you can contact your debt agreement administrator
to discuss your options, which may include submitting a possible variation
proposal.
For example, you may request that:

The payments you have made to date be accepted as the full payment (which would end the debt agreement)
The debt agreement to be extended for a specific period

For more information see What is a debt agreement?


Coronavirus and changes to bankruptcy laws
Impacts to people who are currently bankrupt
How will payments from the Coronavirus Economic Response Package affect people
in bankruptcy?

Economic support payments - are not claimable by your bankruptcy trustee as income or as an asset, regardless of whether you receive the payments before or after the date of bankruptcy.
COVID-19 supplement payments - are claimable by the trustee if you receive them before the date of bankruptcy and it remains in your bank account when you become bankrupt. During bankruptcy these payments are included in your after-tax income amount. If your after-tax income exceeds a set amount, you may have to make compulsory payments. For more information see Income and employment.

More information about these types of payment are available at Services
Australia.
Early access to superannuation – Should you receive payments from your
superannuation under the Coronavirus Economic Response Package, there is no
change to the way this payment is treated in bankruptcy. See Is my
superannuation affected? for details on
what happens to your super during bankruptcy. The Australian Taxation Office
has more information about super payments on their website at Early access to
your super.


Coronavirus and changes to bankruptcy laws
Seek free advice from a financial counsellor
You can get help from a free financial counsellor by contacting the National
Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
Financial counsellors provide free, independent and confidential advice to
help you manage your debts or negotiate with creditors.
Unlike financial planners or advisors, they do not provide investment advice
or recommend products. They do not receive commissions.
The National Debt Helpline website also has step-by-
step guides and useful information on how to deal with specific types of
debts.


Coronavirus and changes to bankruptcy laws
Temporary debt relief
On 25 March 2020, changes came into effect to support individuals and
businesses. The temporary debt relief measures include:

Six month temporary debt protection
Changes to bankruptcy notices
Impacts to people who are currently bankrupt

If you have been financially impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19), you may be
eligible to receive financial assistance - see the Services Australia website
Affected by
coronavirus for more information.
If your business has been impacted, you can find more information on the
business.gov.au website:

Coronavirus information and support for business – summary of all Australian Government information and support
Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses - temporary changes to bankruptcy and director liabilities for trading while insolvent

Six month temporary debt protection
We have increased the temporary debt protection period available for people in
financial difficulty from 21 days to six months. This protection now prevents
recovery action by unsecured creditors for a six month period.
You can use this time to:

Seek advice from a free financial counsellor - contact the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or see Where to find help.
Negotiate a payment plan with your creditors. You can do this yourself or authorise someone else to negotiate on your behalf.
Consider if any of the formal insolvency options would be right for you - see What are my options?

For more information see What is temporary debt
protection?
Changes to bankruptcy notices

We have increased the debt threshold required for creditors to apply for a bankruptcy notice against a debtor. The limit has increased from $5,000 to $20,000.

We have increased the timeframe for a debtor to respond to a Bankruptcy notice from 21 days to up to six months. This means that a creditor will have to wait until the six month period has passed before they can commence bankruptcy proceedings.

What happens to Bankruptcy Notices issued before 25 March 2020?
If the bankruptcy notice was issued before 25 March 2020, the debtor has 21
days to comply with the bankruptcy notice. For more information see
Bankruptcy notices.
These temporary measures will be available for six months.


Coronavirus and changes to bankruptcy laws
Important information for practitioners
Guidelines for debt agreement administrators
We have made important temporary updates to the certified duties of debt
agreement administrators, regarding proposals to vary debt agreements. These
changes are currently in affect for six months (until 30 September 2020).
For more information about these changes see Practitioners: COVID-19 and
changes to debt agreements.
For updated general guidelines for practitioners, including debtors in arrears
notifications see Practitioners: COVID-19 and updated advice from the
Inspector-General.
Guidelines for trustees
General guidelines are now available for trustees regarding COVID-19 and its
effect on our stakeholders. This includes information about Official Receiver
services, meetings of creditors and statutory returns.
For more information see Practitioners: COVID-19 and updated advice from the
Inspector-General.


Current COVID-19 (coronavirus) scams
Online shopping scams
Scammers have created fake online stores claiming to sell products that don’t
exist — such as cures or vaccinations for COVID-19, and products such as face
masks.
Tips to protect yourself from these types of scams:

The best way to detect a fake trader or social media shopping scam is to search for reviews before purchasing. No vaccine or cure presently exists for the coronavirus.
Be wary of sellers requesting unusual payment methods such as upfront payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, preloaded card or electronic currency, like Bitcoin.
More information is available at: Online shopping scams.


Current COVID-19 (coronavirus) scams
Superannuation scams
Scammers are taking advantage of people in financial hardship due to COVID-19
by attempting to steal their superannuation or by offering unnecessary
services and charging a fee.
The majority of these scams start with an unexpected call claiming to be from
a superannuation or financial service.
The scammers use a variety of excuses to request information about your
superannuation accounts, including:

offering to help you access the money in your superannuation
ensuring you’re not locked out of your account under new rules.
checking whether your superannuation account is eligible for various benefits or deals.

Example of a superannuation scam
A scammer will call pretending to be from a superannuation or financial
service. They may refer to the government’s superannuation early release
measures, and ask questions such as:

Have you worked full time for the last 5 years?
Are you going to apply for the $10 000 superannuation package?

Or falsely claim:

Inactive super accounts will be locked if not merged immediately.

Superannuation early-access scams
Many Australians are facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 22 March, the Australian Government announced eligible individuals would be
allowed early access to their superannuation. Scammers are taking advantage of
the government’s early-release measures in a variety of phishing scams
designed to steal your superannuation.
For more information, see our Superannuation early-access scams fact
sheet.
Tips to protect yourself from these types of scams:

Never give any information about your superannuation to someone who has contacted you — this includes offers to help you access your superannuation early under the government’s new arrangements.
Hang up and verify their identity by calling the relevant organisation directly — find them through an independent source such as a phone book, past bill or online search.
See our Scamwatch media release warning about superannuation scams.
For more information on superannuation scams visit ASIC’s MoneySmart website.


Current COVID-19 (coronavirus) scams
Phishing – Government impersonation scams
Scammers are pretending to be government agencies providing information on
COVID-19 through text messages and emails ‘phishing’ for your information.
These contain malicious links and attachments designed to steal your personal
and financial information.
In the examples below the text messages appear to come from ‘GOV’ and ‘myGov’,
with a malicious link to more information on COVID-19.
Scammers are also pretending to be Government agencies and other entities
offering to help you with applications for financial assistance or payments
for staying home.
Tips to protect yourself from these types of scams:

Don’t click on hyperlinks in text/social media messages or emails, even if it appears to come from a trusted source.

Go directly to the website through your browser. For example, to reach the MyGov website type ‘my.gov.au’ into your browser yourself.

Never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for personal or financial details, even if they claim to be a from a reputable organisation or government authority — just press delete or hang up.


Current COVID-19 (coronavirus) scams
How you can help others
You can help others by talking and sharing information about scams when
connecting with your friends, family and colleagues.
Ask the businesses you connect with regularly about scams they see, how they
can protect you and how you can protect yourself.
If you use social media or particular applications — learn how to report scams
to them and choose services that will identify and remove scammers from their
platform or website.
Ask your bank or financial institution about how to protect your financial
information and how they will help you if you get scammed.
Government, law enforcement, individuals and businesses all play an important
role in helping to protect the community from scams.


Current COVID-19 (coronavirus) scams
How scammers contact you
During a crisis like COVID-19, you may be isolated and using online services
more than ever, so it is important to think about who might be really
contacting you. They may find you by:

calling you or coming to your door
contacting you via social media, email or text message
setting up websites that look real, and impersonating government, business or even your friends
collecting information about you so that when they make contact they are more convincing.


Current COVID-19 (coronavirus) scams
Scams targeting businesses
Scammers are using COVID-19 in business email compromise scams by pretending
to be a supplier or business you usually deal with.
Scammers are using COVID-19 as an excuse to divert your usual account payments
to a different bank account. Your payment goes to the scammer instead of the
real business.
Tips to protect yourself from these types of scams:

Verify any request to change bank details by contacting the supplier directly using trusted contact details you have previously used.
Consider a multi-person approval process for transactions over a certain dollar amount, with processes in place to ensure the business billing you is the one you normally deal with.
Keep the security on your network and devices up-to-date, and have a good firewall to protect your data.

Businesses can also sign up to the ACCC’s Small Business Information
Network to receive emails about new or updated resources,
enforcement action, changes to Australia’s competition and consumer laws,
events, surveys and scams relevant to the small business sector.


Current COVID-19 (coronavirus) scams
About COVID-19 scams
Scamwatch has received over 2700 scam reports mentioning the coronavirus with
over $1 114 000 in reported losses since the outbreak of COVID-19
(coronavirus). Common scams include phishing for personal information, online
shopping, and superannuation scams.
If you have been scammed or have seen a scam, you can make a report on the Scamwatch website, and find more information about where to
get help.
Scamwatch urges everyone to be cautious and remain alert to coronavirus-
related scams. Scammers are hoping that you have let your guard down. Do not
provide your personal, banking or superannuation details to strangers who have
approached you.
Scammers may pretend to have a connection with you. So it’s important to stop
and check, even when you are approached by what you think is a trusted
organisation.
Visit the Scamwatch news webpage for general warnings and media
releases on COVID-19 scams.
Below are some examples of what to look out for.
These are a few examples, but there are many more. If your experience does not
match any of the examples provided, it could still be a scam. If you have any
doubts at all, don’t proceed.


Current COVID-19 (coronavirus) scams
Phishing – Other impersonation scams
Scammers are pretending to be from real and well known businesses such as
banks, travel agents, insurance providers and telco companies, and using
various excuses around COVID-19 to:

ask for your personal and financial information
lure you into opening malicious links or attachments
gain remote access to your computer
seek payment for a fake service or something you did not purchase.

Tips to protect yourself from these types of scams:

Don’t click on hyperlinks in text/social media messages or emails, even if they appear to come from a trusted source.
Never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for personal or financial details — just press delete or hang up.
Never provide a stranger remote access to your computer, even if they claim to be from a telco company such as Telstra or the NBN Co.
To verify the legitimacy of a contact, find them through an independent source such as a phone book, past bill or online search.


Early Childhood Education and Care Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package
On 2 April 2020, the Australian
Government announced the new Early Childhood Education and Care Relief
Package. From Monday 6 April 2020, weekly payments will be made directly to
early childhood education and care services in lieu of the Child Care Subsidy
and the Additional Child Care Subsidy, to help them keep their doors open and
employees in their jobs.
Payments will be made until the end of the 2019–20 financial year and families
will not be charged fees during this time.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for early childhood education and care
providers and services from 6 April
2020
Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package Conditions
Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package–Exceptional Circumstance
Supplementary Payment
Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package–Information for Family Day
Care and In Home Care Providers
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for early childhood education and care
providers and services–up to and including 5 April
2020


Early Childhood Education and Care Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package
Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package–Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment
Providers and services may apply to receive a supplement or ‘top up’ of Early
Childhood Education and Care Relief Package payment in exceptional
circumstances. Providers and services should select the application form that
reflects their reason for applying for additional support as per text boxes
below.
Services seeking an Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment that have
30 per cent or more of employees who are not eligible for the JobKeeper
Payment can complete this
application
and outline their circumstances. Services must complete this
spreadsheet and attach it to their application. Applications
without an attached spreadsheet will not be assessed.
Providers seeking an Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment for any
other reason should complete this
application
and outline their circumstances.
In Home Care (IHC) providers, or large providers (those with 50 or more
services), should email
ECECreliefpackage@dese.gov.au to
request a service-level spreadsheet to complete. This streamlined process is
available to IHC and large providers even if not all services are eligible for
Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payments.
This video provides all the information you need to know to complete your
application for an Exceptional Circumstances Supplementary Payment under the
COVID-19 Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package.


Early Childhood Education and Care Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package
Stay in touch
Make sure your contact details (particularly email addresses) are up to date
in the Child Care Subsidy System so you don’t miss out on important
information. You can do this via the Provider Entry
Point
or through your third party software.
Please also make sure that you have subscribed to receive
communications from the
Department of Education, Skills and Employment.


Easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Staying committed to flattening the curve
Each step we take needs to be underpinned by a strong commitment from all of
us to:

stay 1.5 metres away from other people whenever and wherever we can
maintain good hand washing and cough/sneeze hygiene
stay home when we’re unwell, and get tested if we have respiratory symptoms or a fever, and
download the COVIDSafe app so we can find the virus quickly

Our success depends on us making these behaviours part of our daily lives
during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep us COVIDSafe.
Whenever you leave home, you should think about how you’re going to keep
yourself, family, friends and co-workers safe. Make conscious choices about
what you do and when you do it.
This is particularly important for people who are at greater risk of serious
illness from COVID-19, their friends and
their family.


Easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
The 3-step framework for a COVIDSafe Australia
National Cabinet’s 3-step plan provides a pathway for states and territories to move
toward COVIDSafe communities in a way that suits their circumstances.
States and territories will move between the steps on the pathway at different
times, in line with their public health situation and local conditions.
They’ll need to maintain strong and prompt control of any outbreaks.
The plan gives Australians some certainty about what is to come in the months
ahead. In conjunction with advice released by Safe Work
Australia, it
will help our businesses make decisions about how they can operate in a
COVIDSafe way to protect their customers and workers.
For each of the major areas of restrictions we have set out 3 key
steps
between where we are now and where we want to be.

The first steps are cautious ones. It is important we do not move too quickly and risk losing the control we have achieved. Some businesses will start to reopen as we start to allow groups of up to 10 people to be together in homes and in the community. These steps help build our COVIDSafe economy, and also give us more opportunities to connect with family and friends.
The second steps in each area will build on this through larger gatherings and even more businesses reopening. As businesses take steps to ensure they are COVIDSafe, we should all feel safe and confident doing some of the things we’ve missed over the last few months. Some higher-risk settings and activities will still be tightly restricted.
The third steps are where we start to fully embrace long-term COVIDSafe ways of living and working — the arrangements that will be our ‘new normal’ while the virus remains a threat. Restrictions will be minimised. Gatherings of up to 100 people, interstate travel, growth in community sport, and the possibility of travel to New Zealand, will be underpinned by COVIDSafe practices. With everyone playing their role, we will build a COVIDSafe Australia, where lives and livelihoods are protected. It is likely some restrictions, on things like international travel and mass gatherings, will remain necessary.

View text description and larger image of
'3-Step Framework for a COVIDSafe Australia '
graphic


Easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Monitoring our progress
National Cabinet will regularly review our progress. They will be closely
monitoring the situation as restrictions are eased to assess the impact of the
changes so we can move forward safely and with confidence.
As set out in the Pandemic Health Intelligence Plan endorsed by National Cabinet on 1 May 2020, they will
consider:

the pattern of disease around Australia
the capacity of our public health surveillance and testing approaches to detect and isolate cases
the readiness of our health system to respond to outbreaks while also meeting people’s ongoing health needs, and
how well people are following the health advice and abiding by the restrictions in place

This information will guide decisions on the steps each jurisdiction takes as
we make Australia COVIDSafe.
Australia is prepared for an increase in case numbers or possible outbreaks.
It may be that in some parts of the country we sometimes have to take a step
back in order to contain a local outbreak. This should be the exception rather
than the norm.
We want to avoid the uncertainty and disruption of turning restrictions off
and on again, including further health, economic and social shocks as a
result. Our continued success depends on all Australians staying COVIDSafe.
All Australians have an ongoing role to play in protecting their families, co-
workers and the most vulnerable in the community.


Easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Living in a COVIDSafe Australia
Australia has been highly successful in ‘flattening the curve’. The number of
new COVID-19 cases in Australia each day is very low. We can now begin to take
careful steps to ease some of the restrictions that have helped us suppress
the spread of this virus.
From the beginning there have been differences in how COVID-19 has spread in
different parts of the country. National Cabinet has agreed a 3-step
plan to
gradually remove baseline restrictions between now and July. The plan is based
on the expert advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee
(AHPPC) on how to establish COVIDSafe ways of working and living.
Under this plan, each state and territory government will decide which
restrictions can be eased when, taking into account their local circumstances,
meaning states and territories may move at different speeds.


Exercising and staying active during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Motivation and support
It’s important to be active most days, or every day if you can. But staying
motivated can be a challenge at times.
Things that might help you keep on track include:

finding things you enjoy doing
varying your activities to keep them interesting
setting achievable goals
setting a routine and planning your day to include time for activity
monitoring your activity and progress
getting the support of your family and friends

Read more about getting
active
and download our exercise
planner to keep you on
track.
It’s important to care for your physical and mental health in difficult times.
See our advice on:

caring for your mental health
healthy eating during COVID-19 restrictions


Exercising and staying active during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
COVID-19 Sports and Health Advisory Committee
A COVID-19 Sports and Health Advisory Committee will support and
guide sporting. The Committee includes experts from across the sporting
sector.
The current advice is that:

The public health advice in your state or territory needs to support a re-start of activities. Any exemptions will need approval from your state or territory.
Anyone with cold or flu like symptoms, even if mild, cannot take part until they are well.
Deep cleaning of shared items and areas as per the Infection Control Guidelines.
Everyone must practise good hygiene. They must wash their hands before and after each session and must avoid touching their face.
Keep records of who attends each venue (names and phone numbers). Public health officials will need this if there is a confirmed case.
Each organisation must make sure they follow protocols and members are aware of their duties.
Organisations must keep up to date with the National Guidelines on the Department of Health website.

If you have any questions you can contact the Committee via email:
COVID19Sports [at] health.gov.au


Exercising and staying active during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Why staying active is important
As we spend more time at home to stop the spread of COVID-19, it’s easy to
forget our daily activity routine.
Many of our usual venues have closed, and we’re no longer getting incidental
exercise from commuting or running errands.
But it’s especially important to stay active during this time. Regular
exercise is good for both our physical and mental health. It has many
benefits, including:

reducing the risk of health conditions like stroke and heart disease
controlling weight
reducing stress and anxiety
improving sleep

Read our guidelines on how much physical activity you should get each
day.


Exercising and staying active during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Physical activity you can’t do right now
To ensure physical distancing to stop the
spread of the virus, in most places you can’t currently:

go to gyms, health clubs or fitness centres
visit public swimming pools
play indoor or outdoor organised sporting events
attend classes, such as yoga or dance, in community centres and halls
use playgrounds or outdoor gyms
visit national or state parks
exercise with a group such as a boot camp or team sport

State and territory governments have different restrictions. See your state or
territory website for more information:

Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia


Exercising and staying active during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Ways you can still be active
There are still many ways you can be active while maintaining physical
distance.
Out and about
You can still exercise in some public places. You can meet up with a friend,
family member, or trainer. You can:

walk
jog
ride a bike or scooter
kick a ball at the oval

Just remember to stay home if you are unwell, keep 1.5 metres apart, avoid
physical contact, and wash your hands.
At home
Physical activity you can do at home includes:

weights training — if you don’t have any weights, make your own with filled water bottles, cans or jars
yoga
pilates
backyard sports
going up and down stairs
on-the-spot running, star jumps, sit ups and push ups
gardening
dancing
virtual fitness classes
Zoom or Skype group lounge exercises with your friends

You will find plenty of inspiration at the Find Your
30 campaign.
Regardless of your fitness level, or the space you have to work with, you will
find free exercise videos on YouTube and a large choice of home workout apps
available for download.


Families
Child Care Subsidy and child care
You won’t need to pay child care fees when you access child care between 6
April and 28 June 2020.
During this time, you should:

enrol or re-enrol your child with a service
keep your child enrolled
continue using child care as you need.

If you need to enrol or re-enrol your child you should talk to your child care
service. You’ll also need to confirm their
enrolment
with us.
If you need to find a child care service, you can use the Child Care
Finder website.
What else you need to know is different if:

you were getting Child Care Subsidy before 6 April 2020
you’re new to child care.

If you were getting Child Care Subsidy before 6 April 2020
You won’t get Child Care Subsidy and Additional Child Care Subsidy during this
time. But you should make sure you stay eligible for Child Care
Subsidy, for example
by:

continuing to care for your child at least 14% of the time
meeting immunisation requirements
telling us if you have a change in your circumstances.

On 29 June 2020, your Child Care Subsidy will start again as long as you stay
eligible. There’s nothing you’ll need to do to start it again.
You should continue to update your family income
estimate as necessary, especially if you get Family Tax Benefit.
Fees before 6 April 2020
Your child care service may waive your out of pocket fees between 23 March and
5 April 2020. You should speak to them about this.
Absences before 6 April 2020
Due to coronavirus, you have 20 extra absences per child for the 2019-20
financial year. This means you can get up to 62 absences this year for any
reason.
Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) Temporary Financial Hardship claims
before 6 April 2020
If you’ve already claimed ACCS Temporary Financial Hardship, we can only pay
it to 5 April 2020.
There’s no need to claim it between 6 April and 28 June 2020 as you won’t need
to pay fees.
Centrepay deductions
If you pay your fees through
Centrepay, remember to check
your deductions. You can suspend or cancel them if you need.
Use our online help guides to either suspend your
deduction or cancel your
deduction.
If you’re new to child care
You may want to start getting Child Care Subsidy when it starts again on 29
June 2020.
You should claim now,
even though we won’t pay it until late June.
Read more about if you’re new to child care.


Families
Dad and Partner Pay
You can’t get JobKeeper Payment and Dad and Partner Pay at the same time. You can choose a
payment start date to get Dad and Partner Pay after getting JobKeeper Payment.
The work test
To be eligible for Dad and Partner Pay you need to meet the work
test.
JobKeeper Payment also
counts towards the work test.


Families
Child Support
If you have a child support assessment and your situation has changed, tell us so
we can update your details. This includes if:

your income has decreased
your income has increased and you've recently estimated your income for child support
care of your children has changed.

This is important so we can make sure your assessment is correct.
You can update your details online, through the Express Plus Child
Support mobile app or by calling us.


Families
Family Tax Benefit (FTB)
Coronavirus may impact your Family Tax Benefit (FTB). This includes if:

your family income changes
your child’s over 16 and can’t study.

If your family income changes
Your family income estimate affects how much FTB you can get. If you or
your partner stop work, your family’s income may change. Read our guide about
how to update your income estimate.
What to include in your income estimate
You may need to include some payments you or your partner get from us in your
family income estimate. These include:

JobSeeker Payment
Parenting Payment
Coronavirus Supplement.

If you get JobKeeper Payment from your employer, you also need to include it in your income
estimate.
Read more about what to include in your income
estimate.
What you don’t need to include in your income estimate
The following income is non-taxable and doesn’t need to be included in your
family income estimate:

the $750 Economic Support Payment
superannuation released early under COVID-19 early release of super.

If your child’s over 16 and can’t study
When your child turns 16, you may continue to get FTB for them. However, they
need to be in full time secondary study or
exempt from the study requirements.
Your child may still meet these study requirements even if:

they’re sick or isolated
their school closes
you choose to keep them away as a precautionary measure.

If they intend to return to study, you’ll continue to qualify for FTB. There’s
nothing you need to do.


Families
Parental Leave Pay
In most cases, your employer pays your Parental Leave
Pay. If your employer
can’t pay you because of coronavirus, we can pay you.
Tell us about this change online. Sign in to your Centrelink online
account through
myGov, then select Parental Leave Pay Circumstances.
If we haven't assessed your claim yet, call the Families
line.
If you get JobKeeper Payment
You can’t get JobKeeper Payment and Parental Leave Pay at the same time.
To get Parental Leave Pay you must be on leave or not working. This is from
your child’s birth or adoption until the end of your Paid Parental Leave
period. You can get Parental Leave Pay after your JobKeeper Payment ends, if
you didn’t work during that time.
If you returned to work, you can’t get Parental Leave Pay when your
JobKeeper Payment ends.
The Work Test
To be eligible for Parental Leave Pay you need to meet the work
test.
JobKeeper Payment also
counts towards the work test.
If you can’t get Parental Leave Pay, you may be able to get Newborn Upfront
Payment and Newborn Supplement. This is after your child’s birth.
You may be eligible for another payment now. Find out more if you need a
payment because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
If you stopped work because of the risk to your pregnancy
Depending on your individual work circumstances, we may move your work test
period under the Dangerous Job provisions. If you had to stop working
due to the risk of coronavirus, you may still meet the work
test. You
must provide proof from your employer and a medical professional. This proof
must confirm you stopped work because of the risk to your pregnancy.


Families
Additional payments
If you get Family Tax Benefit you may get 1 or both Economic Support
Payments. We'll
pay these into your bank account automatically.
If you get Parenting Payment you may get the Coronavirus
Supplement from late
April 2020. We'll pay this as part of your normal payment. You may also get
the first Economic Support
Payment. We'll pay
this into your bank account automatically.
You won’t get the second Economic Support Payment in July 2020 if you get the
Coronavirus Supplement.


Getting medicines during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Home delivery of medicines
Home delivery is a good option if you are isolating, are more vulnerable to
serious illness, or prefer to stay at home.
Call your preferred pharmacy or check their website to see whether:

they have your medicine in stock
they offer home delivery
you can order online or over the phone

If needed, you can ask a friend or family member to place an order for you.
If you have a paper prescription, you must post it or get someone to take it
to the pharmacy before they can deliver the medicine.
If your doctor sent a digital copy of the prescription, the pharmacy will send
the medicine to the address on the prescription.
Make sure your doctor and pharmacist have your correct address.
Delivery drivers should practise physical distancing
when they deliver the medicine. This means they may:

not ask for a signature
leave the package near your door instead of handing it to you directly

Delivery drivers may also wear protective gear, such as face masks and gloves,
as a precaution. This does not mean they are unwell.


Getting medicines during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Getting medicine from a pharmacy in person
You can continue to get medicine from a pharmacy in person if you are healthy.
Remember to practise physical distancing.
Pharmacy staff may wear protective gear, such as face masks and gloves, as a
precaution. This does not mean they are unwell.
If you cannot get to a pharmacy and home delivery is not an option, ask a
friend or family member to fill your prescription for you.


Getting medicines during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Limits on some medicines
Limits apply to some prescription and over-the-counter medicines. These help
to make sure everyone has access to the medicine they need.
Learn about:

limits on prescribing hydroxychloroquine
limits on other prescription and over-the-counter medications


Getting medicines during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Paper and digital copy prescriptions
Doctors can provide you with a paper prescription or send a digital copy of
the prescription to your preferred pharmacy following a telehealth
consultation.
If your doctor sends a digital copy to a pharmacy, you must fill the
prescription at that pharmacy. If there are any repeats on the prescription,
the repeats must be kept at that pharmacy. You can contact the pharmacy to
arrange the next supply of your medicine when you need it.
Your doctor is legally required to keep the paper prescription if they have
sent the digital copy to a pharmacy.
If you already have a paper prescription at home, you can ask a friend or
family member to fill this prescription at your preferred pharmacy if you are
isolating. Alternatively, you can ask your doctor for a digital copy of a new
prescription to be sent to your pharmacy following a telehealth
consultation.
See our guide for patients on how to access prescriptions and prescription
medications via telehealth.
You can get most medicines with a digital copy of a prescription. If your
medicine is restricted under legislation, your doctor can only provide a paper
prescription.


Getting medicines during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
Home delivery of medicines
Delivery service for vulnerable groups and people in isolation
The Home Medicines Service offers free home
delivery of:

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines
Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) medicines

You can use the service if you are:

isolating at home on the advice of a medical practitioner or a COVID-19 hotline
aged over 70
an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged over 50
immunocompromised or have a chronic health condition
a parent of a new baby
pregnant
an aged care home resident, if your facility does not use another home delivery service

The service may be available from any pharmacy approved to supply PBS and RPBS
medicines.
Each delivery through the service must include at least one PBS or RPBS
medicine. You can order other items as part of the same delivery.
You can access the service free once a month. If you want more deliveries,
pharmacies may charge a fee.
Learn more about the Home Medicines
Service or contact your preferred pharmacist for
details.


Good hygiene for coronavirus (COVID-19)
When you are well
Everyone – even when well – can help slow the spread of COVID-19.
This means:

wash your hands often with soap and water. This includes before and after eating and after going to the toilet
use alcohol-based hand sanitisers when you can’t use soap and water
avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
clean and disinfect surfaces you use often such as benchtops, desks and doorknobs
clean and disinfect objects you use often such as mobile phones, keys, wallets and work passes
use tap and go instead of cash where possible
increase the amount of fresh air by opening windows or changing air conditioning

There is no evidence that alcohol-free hand rubs are effective against viruses
like COVID-19. Experts recommend you don’t use them.


Good hygiene for coronavirus (COVID-19)
When you are sick
As we move towards living COVIDSafe, it is important that you stay at home if
you feel unwell. You should also continue to practise good hygiene.
If you have cold or flu like symptoms you should seek medical advice and get
tested for COVID-19. You should get
tested even if your symptoms are mild.
If you have COVID-19 you must isolate and follow the
directions of your local Public Health Unit.
0:30  Read transcript
To help stop the spread of viruses
like the flu or coronavirus
good hygiene is essential.
That starts with washing your hands thoroughly
with soap and water
whenever you cough, sneeze or blow your nose,
prepare food or eat, care for someone sick,
touch your face, or use the toilet.
Remember to cough or sneeze into your arm
or a tissue. Bin the tissue and wash your hands.
Together, we can help stop the spread
and stay healthy.
Visit australia.gov.au
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
Everyone must also stay 1.5 metres away from other people whenever possible.
This is called physical distancing.