mteb/FeedbackQARetrieval huggingface dataset:
Frequently Asked Questions
International students
How will employers access this temporary measure?
The Department of Home Affairs has set up a form for supermarkets to request
access to these temporary arrangements.
The form “Employer request relating to relaxation of enforcement of student
visa working hours” is available online.
Employers are still required to abide by all relevant Australian workplace
laws. Overseas workers, including international students, have the same rights
under Australian workplace law as all other employees.
All aged care approved providers or Commonwealth funded aged care service
providers that have been issued with a RACS ID or a NAPS ID have been given
access to the temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders.
These aged care providers should refer to the correspondence provided to them
by the Department of Health for further details.​
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
To respond to COVID-19, the government has introduced flexible and temporary
visa arrangements that support Australia’s public health measures.
The Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event
(AGEE) stream visa (COVID-19 Pandemic event visa) is being utilised to manage
the extraordinary circumstances that have arisen due to the COVID-19 pandemic
event. The measure is temporary in nature, will be subject to ongoing review
and will be wound back appropriately in line with the end of the pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Visa of last resort
Other temporary visa holders may apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa
only where there is no other visa option and it is not possible to leave
Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will allow you to remain lawfully
in Australia until it is safe and practical for you to return to your home
country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary Visa Holders
What can I do if I cannot return to my home country?
If you cannot return to your home country, you need to maintain a valid visa
and engage with the health system when necessary.
Visitor visa holders should apply for a new visa before their current visa
expires to maintain their lawful status.
If a visitor has a “No Further Stay” condition on their visa (including 8503,
8534 or 8535) and less than two months validity remaining, they can request a
waiver of this condition to allow them to lodge a new visa application.
For information on extending a stay in Australia if you are unable to depart,
see Staying in Australia.
If you have worked in Australia and cannot meet your immediate living
expenses, you can access up to $10,000 of your Australian superannuation tax-
free in the 2019-20 financial year.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Working in critical sectors
Working holiday makers working in critical sectors such as agriculture, food
processing, health care, aged care, disability care and childcare who are not
eligible for any other visa and are unable to return to their home country can
apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa.
Seasonal Worker Programme visa holders with visas due to expire within 28 days
are also able to apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa.
Other temporary visa holders whose visas are about to expire, have no other
visa options, are unable to return to their home country and who are working
in critical sectors may apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa. Evidence
of this work will need to be submitted with the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the critical sectors?
The Government is making announcements about critical sectors. Currently the
critical sectors are agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care,
disability care and childcare. These sectors will be subject to ongoing review
with new sectors being added if required, or removed if the Australian labour
market is fulfilling the need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Working holiday makers
Can I count work in a COVID-19 critical sector, like health care, as ‘specified work’ for the purpose of applying for a second or third WHM visa?
No. Existing arrangements for specified work will remain in place but the
Australian Government has announced temporary measures to assist WHMs working
in critical sectors who are not eligible to apply for a further visa.
If you are working in the agriculture, food processing, health care, aged
care, disability care or child care sectors, you are not eligible for a
further visa and you are unable to return to your home country, you can apply
for the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event
(AGEE) stream visa. This visa will allow you to remain lawfully in Australia
and continue working until you can return to your home country.
If you are applying for this visa to work or continue working in a critical
sector, you must have evidence from your employer that you have ongoing work
that an Australian citizen or permanent resident cannot do.
Further information is available on the Department's
website.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand 444 Special Category Visa (SCV)
Am I able to access any support in Australia?
If you are a protected SCV New Zealand citizen and meet other eligibility
requirements, you will be eligible for all welfare payments, including the Job
Seeker and Job Keeper payments.
If you are not a protected SCV New Zealand citizen and you hold a TY444 visa,
you will still be eligible for the Job Keeper payments through your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Employer sponsored temporary work visas
What can I do if I cannot return to my home country?
If you cannot return to your home country, you need to maintain a valid visa
and engage with the health system when necessary.
Where you have been stood down by your employer or had your hours reduced but
remain employed, you can access up to $10,000 of your Australian
superannuation tax-free in the 2019-20 financial year.
For information on extending a stay in Australia if you are unable to depart,
see Staying in Australia.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
Watch for symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from
mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with
these symptoms may have COVID-19:

Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fever
Chills
Muscle pain
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been
reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or
diarrhea.
Caring for yourself or others

How to protect yourself
How to care for someone who is sick
What to do if you are sick
Testing for COVID-19
Who should be tested
To learn if you have a current infection, viral tests are used. But not
everyone needs this test.

Most people will have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care and may not need to be tested.
CDC has guidance for who should be tested, but decisions about testing are made by state and local health departments or healthcare providers.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.
You can also visit your state or local health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.
Although supplies of tests are increasing, it may still be difficult to find a place to get tested.
Testing for COVID-19
Results

If you test positive for COVID-19 by a viral test , know what protective steps to take if you are sick or caring for someone.
If you test negative for COVID-19 by a viral test , you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. However, that does not mean you will not get sick. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing.

**** If you test positive or negative for COVID-19, no matter the type of
test, you still should take preventive measures to protect yourself and
others.
Test for Current Infection
How to decide if you should get a viral test
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Here is some information that
might help you make decisions about getting a viral test.

Most people have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. They may not need to be tested.
At this time, there is no treatment specifically approved for people who have COVID-19.

CDC has guidance for who
should be tested, but decisions about testing are made by state and local
health departments or healthcare providers.
Test for Current Infection
How to get a viral test
COVID-19 testing differs by location. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and
want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first. You can also visit
your
state
or local health
department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.
Although supplies of tests are increasing, it may still be difficult to find
a place to get tested.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized two viral tests
that let you collect either a nasal swab or a saliva
sample at home. However, you will still need to send your sample to a
laboratory for analysis.
Test for Current Infection
What to do after a viral test
To get your test result, please check with the group that performed your test,
such as your healthcare provider or your health department. Check the CDC
website to locate your health department
information.
How long it will take to get your test results back depends on the test used.

If you test positive for COVID-19, know what protective steps to take If You Are Sick or Caring for Someone.
If you test negative for COVID-19, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. However, that does not mean you will not get sick. It is possible that you were very early in your infection when your sample was collected and that you could test positive later. Or you could be exposed later and then develop illness. In other words, a negative test result does not mean you won’t get sick later. This means you could still spread the virus.
Test for Past Infection
How to get an antibody test
Check with your healthcare provider to see if they offer antibody tests.
If you test positive

A positive test result shows you have antibodies that likely resulted from an infection with SARS-CoV-2, or possibly a related coronavirus.
It’s unclear if those antibodies can provide protection (immunity) against getting infected again. This means that we do not know at this time if antibodies make you immune to the virus.
If you have no symptoms, you likely do not have an active infection and no additional follow-up is needed.
If you have symptoms and meet other guidelines for testing, you would need another type of test called a nucleic acid test, or viral test. This test uses respiratory samples, such as a swab from inside your nose, to confirm COVID-19. An antibody test cannot tell if you are currently sick with COVID-19.
It’s possible you might test positive for antibodies and you might not have or have ever had symptoms of COVID-19. This is known as having an asymptomatic infection, or an infection without symptoms.

If you test negative

If you test negative for COVID-19 antibodies, you probably did not have a previous infection that has gotten better. However, you could have a current infection. It’s possible you could still get sick if you have been exposed to the virus recently, since antibodies don’t show up for 1 to 3 weeks after infection. This means you could still spread the virus.
Some people may take even longer to develop antibodies, and some people may not develop antibodies.
If you have symptoms and meet other guidelines for testing, you would need another type of test called a nucleic acid test, or viral test. This test uses respiratory samples, such as a swab from inside your nose, to confirm COVID-19. An antibody test cannot tell if you are currently sick with COVID-19.
Test for Past Infection
CDC’s work in antibody testing
CDC is evaluating commercial tests
CDC is evaluating the performance of commercially manufactured antibody tests
in collaboration with other government agencies. FDA has authorized emergency
use of several antibody tests.
For more information:


FDA Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19


Insight into FDA’s Revised Policy on Antibody Tests: Prioritizing Access and Accuracy


CDC is conductingserologic surveillance
CDC is looking at data from antibody
tests to estimate the total
number of people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the United States.
CDC is also using antibody testing to learn more about how the body’s immune
system responds to the virus and to explore how the virus spreads among people
exposed to it. The information CDC is looking at comes from many groups,
including blood donors and household contacts of people who had symptoms and
were diagnosed with COVID-19.
CDC is supporting state, local, tribal and territorial laboratory
capacity.
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
How COVID-19 Spreads
The virus spreads easily between people
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are
highly contagious, like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily.
Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, which means it goes from
person-to-person without stopping.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably
between people. Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggest that
this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as
efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious.
How COVID-19 Spreads
The virus does not spread easily in other ways
COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning about how it spreads. It
may be possible for COVID-19 to spread in other ways, but these are not
thought to be the main ways the virus spreads.

From touching surfaces or objects. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus.
From animals to people. At this time, the risk of COVID-19 spreading from animals to people is considered to be low. Learn about COVID-19 and pets and other animals.
From people to animals. It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations. CDC is aware of a small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. Learn what you should do if you have pets.
How COVID-19 Spreads
Protect yourself and others
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
You can take steps to slow the spread.

Maintain good social distance (about 6 feet). This is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and
others.
How to Protect Yourself & Others
Know how it spreads

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. 
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.



Wash your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home. 
Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
Do not gather in groups.
Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.



Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. 
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.


The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.


Handwashing tipsHand Hygiene in
Healthcare Settings
When to wear gloves
When caring for someone who is sick
If you are providing care to someone who is sick at home or in another non-
healthcare setting

Use disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting the area around the person who is sick or other surfaces that may be frequently touched in the home.
Use disposable gloves when touching or having contact with blood, stool, or body fluids, such as saliva, mucus, vomit, and urine.
After using disposable gloves, throw them out in a lined trash can. Do not disinfect or reuse the gloves.
Wash your hands after you have removed the gloves.
When to wear gloves
When gloves aren’t needed
Wearing gloves outside of these instances (for example, when using a shopping
cart or using an ATM) will not necessarily protect you from getting COVID-19
and may still lead to the spread of germs. The best way to protect yourself
from germs when running errands and after going out is to regularly wash your
hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least
60% alcohol.
When to wear gloves
Other ways to protect yourself
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus and is mainly spread through droplets created
when a person who is infected coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can protect
yourself by keeping social distance (at least 6 feet) from others and washing your
hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (or using a hand sanitizer with at
least 60% alcohol) at key times, and
practicing everyday preventive actions.
Social Distancing
What is social distancing?
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space
between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or
physical distancing:

Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
Do not gather in groups
Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

In addition to everyday steps to prevent
COVID-19,
keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid
being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the
country and world.
Limit close contact with others outside your household in indoor and outdoor
spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it
is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you—or they—have
no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at
higher risk __ for severe illness from COVID-19.
Many people have personal circumstances or situations that present challenges
with practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please
see the following guidance for additional recommendations and considerations
for:

Households Living in Close Quarters: How to Protect Those Who Are Most Vulnerable
Living in Shared Housing
People with Disabilities
People Experiencing Homelessness
Social Distancing
Why practice social distancing?
COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6
feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs,
sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the
air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be
inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected
but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or
object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or
eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface, depending on factors such as
sunlight, humidity, and the type of surface. Social distancing helps limit
opportunities to come in contact with contaminated surfaces and infected
people outside the home.
Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can
get and spread COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and
protecting themselves, their family, and their community.