mteb/FeedbackQARetrieval huggingface dataset:
Misinformation and truths about Coronavirus
Misinformation and truths about Coronavirus
FALSE: A two week lockdown will stop the spread of coronavirus
TRUE: Imposing restrictions for two or three weeks and then lifting them
and returning to our normal lives will not stop the spread of coronavirus.
The risk of only a two week lockdown is coronavirus would rear its ugly head
again, perhaps more aggressively than before.
Some people have asked why we haven’t imposed a blanket lockdown like other
countries have done. The answer to this is that, unlike countries such as
Italy, Spain and Iran, and cities such as Wuhan in China, where the outbreak
began, we have remained ahead of the curve.
By the time health experts in these countries recognised what was occurring,
coronavirus was out of control and spreading like wildfire. This is why
hospitals in these countries have struggled to cope with people with severe
forms of the disease.
Our health experts will continue to monitor the number of new cases each day
in Australia and where transmission is taking place. They will then make
recommendations based on the evidence as to any new rules or restrictions that
need to be put in place. Everyone should stay up to date with current
restrictions by visiting www.australia.gov.au.
Misinformation and truths about Coronavirus
Misinformation and truths about Coronavirus
FALSE: Australia can’t obtain enough medical equipment and supplies (ventilators, masks, testing kits)
TRUE: The simple message to patients and, crucially, the health workers
who look after them, is – yes, Australia has enough equipment to fight this
pandemic. However, there is a strain on all testing related supplies due to
global demand far exceeding supply and production capacity.
Staff can be assured that we have personal protective equipment coming in all
the time, which means, in turn, that patients can get the best possible care.
For instance, the National Medical Stockpile has more than 10 million masks.
The Australian Government continues to work to secure additional masks to
ensure the National Medical Stockpile remains well stocked, and Australia has
enough personal protective equipment to support our medical professionals as
the pandemic unfolds. This includes boosting domestic manufacturing capability
and capacity.
There are usually 2,200 ventilated hospital beds in Australia. By repurposing
anaesthetic machines and other equipment over the past six weeks, we now have
4,400 ventilated beds, and we're looking to make that 7,500. At the start of
April, the number of patients with coronavirus in intensive care units and
needing ventilators was 20.
The Communicable Diseases Network Australia is meeting daily to reassess its
guidance on testing requirements, so that only essential testing is being
undertaken.
Misinformation and truths about Coronavirus
Misinformation and truths about Coronavirus
FALSE: Australia’s hospitals won’t be able to cope with increased demand due to coronavirus
TRUE: Australia’s public and private hospitals have joined forces in the
fight against coronavirus. An historic partnership between the Australian
Government, state and territory governments and the private hospital sector
will make available an extra 34,000 beds and 105,000 medical staff nationally
to help fight coronavirus.
The private sector will provide hospital services to public patients, making
its equipment, beds, supplies and staff available to supplement the public
system.
They will also continue to support the needs of long-stay public hospital
National Disability Insurance Scheme participants, and aged care patients and
general needs patients.
The partnership will ensure the full resources of Australia’s world-class
health system are ready and focused on treating patients as required through
the pandemic.
Not-for-profit organisations
JobKeeper Payment
Not-for-profits including charities who have experienced a decline in turnover
as a result of the Coronavirus may be eligible to apply for the JobKeeper
Payment.
Under this scheme, employers impacted by the Coronavirus will be able to
access a subsidy from the Government to continue paying eligible employees.
The fortnightly subsidy of $1,500 per eligible employee will start on 30 March
2020, with the first payments to be received by employers from the ATO from
first week of May.
Not-for-profits will be eligible for the JobKeeper Payment if, at the time
of applying:

they have an aggregated turnover of less than $1 billion (for income tax purposes) and they estimate their GST turnover has fallen or will likely fall by 30 per cent or more; or
they have an aggregated turnover of $1 billion or more (for income tax purposes) and they estimate their GST turnover has fallen or will fall by 50 per cent or more.

Charities registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits
Commission (ACNC) will be eligible for the subsidy if they estimate their
turnover has or will likely fall by 15 per cent or more relative to a
comparable period.
Not-for-profits and charities can register for the JobKeeper Payment on the
ATO’s website.
Not-for-profit organisations
Boosting cash flow
The Government is providing temporary cash flow assistance to support the
activities of not-for-profits including charities at a time when they are
facing increased demand for services.
This assistance involves two sets of cash flow boosts delivered in April and
July-October 2020 to support employers to retain employees.
The Government will provide tax-free cash flow boosts of between $20,000 and
$100,000 to eligible not-for-profits, delivered through credits in the
activity statement system.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the health workforce during COVID-19
PPE for the general public
For PPE advice for the general public, see:

use of surgical masks
how to protect yourself and others

Online training
A 30-minute online module — COVID-19 infection control
training — is
available for care workers across all health care settings.
This training is hosted on an external site, provided by our COVID-19 training
partner Aspen Medical.
Register now
Publications and fact sheets
See our resources for health professionals on
PPE.
Guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitals
during the COVID-19 outbreak
An information sheet about the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
during hospital care of people with coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources for health professionals, including aged
care providers, pathology providers and health care
managers
A collection of resources for health professionals, including aged care
providers, pathology providers and health care managers, about coronavirus
(COVID-19).
Webinars
View our webinars on the COVID-19 response for the health and aged care
sector.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the health workforce during COVID-19
How we’re managing PPE supply
There is a global shortage of PPE. We are working to increase our National
Medical Stockpile and
provide more PPE.
We ask the health workforce to use PPE conservatively where possible.
The Australian Government is:

working with local industry to increase local production of PPE
working with international suppliers
allocating PPE as we receive them

Until we have enough for everyone, our priority is to ensure staff in
frontline health services likely to come into contact with people with
COVID-19 have PPE. This includes:

public hospitals
general practices
community pharmacies
other settings where people are most likely to present with COVID-19
aged care providers (if there is an outbreak)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the health workforce during COVID-19
Accessing PPE
Primary Health Networks
(PHN) can provide masks and respirators from the National Medical
Stockpile to:

general practitioners (GPs)
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and Health Services
community pharmacies

PHNs can provide masks to allied health professionals in some circumstances.
Allied health professionals may be eligible if:

the masks are for staff to use
there is no commercial supply available
they are working in higher-risk clinical areas, and with higher risk vulnerable patients

PHNs will also consider whether the allied health professional can adjust how
they practice to reduce risk.
For information about PPE standards, read regulation of PPE and
COVID-19 on the Therapeutic Goods Administration website.
Read more about how we manage the limited supply of
PPE.
Eligibility for surgical masks from PHNs
PHNs will provide surgical masks to GPs and ACCHOs if they have a
demonstrated need. This includes:

there is no local supply available commercially
the people coming to your practice are more likely to have been exposed to COVID-19
your practice has an unusual number of patients who have respiratory symptoms

PHNs will provide surgical masks to community pharmacies if they meet
both of the criteria below:

there is no local supply available commercially
staff have significant contact with people who have fever and respiratory symptoms

Eligibility for respirators from PHNs
PHNs will provide respirators to GPs and ACCHOs who:

need to assess suspected COVID-19 cases
do not have respiratory clinics or emergency departments nearby

These practices must have:

isolation facilities and other appropriate infrastructure
staff who are trained in using PPE
a pandemic plan

You must use respirators with other PPE (gowns, gloves and eye protection).
Requesting masks and respirators from PHNs
When you contact your PHN to make a request, explain how you meet the
eligibility requirements.
For the contact details of your PHN, use the PHN map
locator.
If you’re eligible
Generally, PHNs will provide:

2 boxes of 50 surgical masks to each practice
1 box of 50 surgical masks to each community pharmacy

Depending on stock levels, they may give you more. They will consider the size
of your practice or other demonstrated need.
You can give these surgical masks to:

your staff to use for their protection
patients and customers who may have COVID-19
patients and customers who have a confirmed case of COVID-19

We have supplied PHNs with a small number of respirators. They will conserve
these stocks as far as possible.
You must not sell these masks or respirators as commercial stock.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the health workforce during COVID-19
How to use PPE
Wear the following PPE when caring for someone with suspected or confirmed
COVID-19:

long-sleeved gown
surgical mask
face shield, goggles or safety glasses
disposable non-sterile gloves

Use a P2/N95 respirator instead of a surgical mask for:

frequent close contact with patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19
procedures that generate aerosols

Fit-check your P2/N95 respirator with each use.
After the consultation or patient contact, remove your PPE. Perform hand
hygiene after each individual PPE item is removed.
When removing PPE, do not touch the front of any item. Perform hand hygiene if
you think contamination has occurred at any point.
You should also use PPE to protect yourself when cleaning or
disinfecting.
For more detail, see:

guidance on the use of PPE in hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak
COVID-19 information for paramedics and ambulance first responders, including use of PPE
wearing PPE for allied health professionals video
the use of face masks and respirators in the context of COVID-19
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the health workforce during COVID-19
Who should use PPE
You do not always have to use PPE when providing treatment or care.
Use PPE if you:

care for someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19
assess or collect specimens from people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19
have significant contact with people who have fever or respiratory symptoms that suggest COVID- 19

Give surgical masks to patients to wear straight away if they:

are under quarantine or investigation for COVID-19
are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19
have fever or respiratory symptoms

If you do not have the appropriate PPE to assess patients or collect
specimens, refer the person to a collection centre, a GP respiratory
clinic
or emergency department.
Aged care workers should see using and getting PPE in aged
care, use of surgical masks and how to protect
yourself and others.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the health workforce during COVID-19
Informing patients about PPE
When communicating with patients, explain:

you do not always need to wear PPE if you are both well
if you wear a mask or other PPE it is for their and your protection

If people in your practice wear PPE, you may want to provide signage near the
entrance advising this is to protect patients and staff.
If you are a health practitioner providing in-home care, let the patient know
in advance that you may wear a mask or other PPE when visiting their home.
Physical distancing for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Households
Australians should check their state or territory government
restrictions to find out
more about the restrictions in place where they live. As states and
territories move through the steps in the 3–step framework for a COVIDSafe
Australia, restrictions will reduce.
If you are allowed to have visitors at home, you still need to maintain 1.5
metres between people from different households. Keeping visitors to a minimum
will help to reduce the spread of the virus throughout the community.
If someone in your household is sick with cold or flu symptoms, you should:

care for the sick person in a single room, if possible
keep the number of carers to a minimum
keep the door to the sick person’s room closed. If possible, keep a window open
wear a surgical mask when you are in the same room as the sick person. The sick person should also wear a mask when other people are in the same room
protect at-risk family members by keeping them away from the sick person. If possible, find them somewhere else to live while the family member is sick
seek medical advice and have them tested for COVID-19
Physical distancing for coronavirus (COVID-19)
In schools
If your child is sick, they must not go to school or childcare. You must keep
them at home and away from others.
To reduce the spread of viruses or germs in schools students and staff should
continue to practise good hygiene.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) has issued
updated advice on reducing the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission in
schools.
The AHPPC also issued a statement on risk management for re-opening boarding
schools and school-based residential colleges.
For more information on school
operations, visit the
Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.
Physical distancing for coronavirus (COVID-19)
At work
You should work from home if it works for you and your employer. If you cannot
work from home and you are sick, you must not attend your workplace. You must
stay at home and away from others.
All workplaces must develop a COVID-19 plan in line with:

the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission (NCCC) online planning tool
the Safe Work Australia National COVID-19 Safe Workplace Principles

Safe Work Australia has resources for workplaces including information about
workers’ rights.
The Department of Education, Skills and Employment
website also has information for students,
parents, education providers, job seekers and employers.
To protect yourself, your co-workers and your customers:

stop shaking hands to greet others
avoid non-essential meetings. If needed, hold meetings via video conferencing or phone call
put off large meetings to a later date
hold essential meetings outside in the open air if possible
promote good hand, sneeze and cough hygiene
provide alcohol-based hand rub for all staff
eat lunch at your desk or outside rather than in the lunch room
regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that many people touch
open windows or adjust air conditioning for more ventilation
limit food handling and sharing of food in the workplace
avoid non-essential travel
promote strict hygiene among food preparation (canteen) staff and their close contacts
Physical distancing for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Keep your distance
One way to slow the spread of viruses, such as coronavirus, is physical
distancing.
The more space between you and others, the harder it is for the virus to
spread.
As states and territories ease restrictions, it is
important everyone continues to practise physical distancing.
0:30  Read transcript
Coronavirus is most likely to spread from person to person when we come into
close contact with one another.
We can all help stop the spread by keeping our distance.
This means do not shake hands, or exchange physical greetings, and wherever
possible, stay at least 1.5 metres away from others.
It's also really important to practise good hygiene, especially after being in
public places.
Together we can help stop the spread and stay healthy.
Visit health.gov.au to learn more.
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
Physical distancing for coronavirus (COVID-19)
In public
Physical distancing in public means people:

keep 1.5 metres away from others wherever possible
avoid physical greetings such as handshaking, hugs and kisses
use tap and go instead of cash where possible
practise extra care if you are using public transport – read the guidelines (PDF, 165 KB).
avoid crowds – if you see a crowded space do not enter
avoid large public gatherings
practise good hygiene
stay at home if you have any cold or flu symptoms. Seek medical advice and get tested for COVID-19

See important information on restrictions on public gatherings.
See requirements in your state or territory.
Providing aged care services during COVID-19
Identifying symptoms
Monitor the health of people in your care and watch out for symptoms of
COVID-19. Keep in mind:

older people may not always have a fever
older people may also have increased confusion, worsening chronic conditions of the lungs, or loss of appetite

Be especially alert when caring for people with dementia or a cognitive
impairment. They may not be able to tell you about potential symptoms or
express pain or discomfort.
Providing aged care services during COVID-19
When you must not work
If you are an aged care worker, do not go to work if you have

returned from overseas in the past 14 days
travelled in the past 14 days as a cruise ship passenger or crew member
been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
a fever
a symptom, even a minor symptom, of respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion)

Let your employer know you need to quarantine at home.
If you are a residential aged care worker, you should also only work if you
have had a flu shot. Exemptions apply in some states and territories.
To find out more, read the restrictions on entry into and visitors to aged
care facilities fact sheet.
Providing aged care services during COVID-19
How to stop the spread
To help slow the spread of COVID-19, practise good hygiene and
physical distancing and follow the limits on public
gatherings.
For more on how you can protect yourself and those in your care, complete the
30-minute COVID-19 infection control training.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Wear appropriate PPE (gown, mask, protective eyewear and gloves) if you:

will be exposed to body fluids or very contaminated surfaces
are caring for someone confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19

Remove your PPE before leaving the room or the person’s home. Wash or sanitise
your hands straight after removing PPE.
For more about using PPE:

read the PPE for the health workforce during COVID-19 page
print out the when to use PPE in aged care flowchart
watch our wearing PPE in aged care video

Getting PPE
Aged care providers can request PPE by emailing agedcareCOVIDPPE [at]
health.gov.au
We assess requests and ask for more information if needed. If your request is
successful, state and territory governments will distribute the agreed PPE to
you.
We prioritise aged care providers with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Providing aged care services during COVID-19
Managing COVID-19 in home care
Government-funded aged care providers of in-home care must minimise infection-
related risks. This includes organisations that provide:

Home Care Packages
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services
some grant-funded services under the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program

To meet the Aged Care Quality
Standards, you must
implement standard and transmission‑based precautions to prevent and control
infection.
For advice on preparing equipment and staff, cleaning, working with your care
recipients and more, read our COVID-19 guide for home care
providers.
For advice on flu vaccinations, support for home care recipients, workers with
visa work restrictions and more, read our COVID-19 factsheet for in-home care
workers.
Older people and their families and carers can read our it’s ok to have home
care fact sheet.
Providing aged care services during COVID-19
Getting tested
It’s important to detect COVID-19 in health and aged care workers as early as
possible.
You are eligible for COVID-19 testing if you are an aged care worker and
develop fever or respiratory symptoms.
Your doctor will confirm whether you need to be tested and will arrange for
the test.
Aged and residential care facilities are high-risk settings. Staff (and
residents) will also be tested if there are 2 or more people with fever and
respiratory symptoms in the setting.
Providing aged care services during COVID-19
Managing COVID-19 in residential aged care
Residential aged care facilities are legally responsible for infection
prevention and control under the Aged Care Act 1997 and the Aged Care Quality
Standards.
You must:

manage visitor and entry restrictions, including for new and returning residents
monitor the health of your staff
prevent and control infections
put up signs and remind visitors of the steps they need to take to help protect residents, including their flu vaccination
ensure all visitors comply with the Aged Care Visitor Access Code
manage any COVID-19 outbreaks and follow the COVID-19 outbreak guidelines

For more advice, read our COVID-19 factsheet for residential aged care
workers.
Residents and their families and carers can read our COVID-19 advice for
people in aged care facilities.