A few Filipino-Australians in Melbourne tested positive for Coronavirus in the third week of March. They were reported to have suffered flu symptoms and immediately went to the doctor for testing. They then remained at their respective homes in self-isolation (self-quarantine) and recovered well over a period of 14 days.
After testing positive, they fulfilled their duty of care by informing their workplaces, families and those who were in close contact with them. Some of their friends and family members who were asymptomatic tested negative.
“I’m now fine”
Liza Di Blasio informed The Philippine Times on 23 March that she had tested positive for the virus after feeling symptoms of high fever and chills.
Di Blasio has provided the following recommendations, based on her first-hand experience: “If anyone feels any of these symptoms: sore throat, body aches, fever and chills, coughing. Please don’t hesitate to go for a COVID-19 test. You can go to any major hospitals and coronavirus testing centres all over Melbourne. Isolate yourselves while waiting for the result. If the symptoms worsen go the hospital immediately as this virus can be fatal in other cases.”
COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus is a respiratory illness caused by a new, highly contagious virus. Some people will experience mild symptoms and recover within days, while others may get very sick quickly and require around-the-clock medical attention.
Note: If you are sick and think you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical attention. If you want to talk to someone about your symptoms first, call the Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice.
READ: Three Filipino-Australians tested positive for COVID-19 in Melbourne
Testing
• Your GP will tell you if you should be tested and will arrange for the test. You will only be tested if your GP decides you meet the criteria:
• You have returned from overseas in the past 14 days and you develop respiratory illness with or without fever
• You have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days and you develop respiratory illness with or without fever
• You have severe community-acquired pneumonia and there is no clear cause
• You are a healthcare worker who works directly with patients and you have a respiratory illness and a fever
Wash your hands, practice social distancing and stay home
It is very important to follow the directives of our federal and state governments to ensure a social distance of 1.5 meters, especially when needing to leave the house. Staying at home has been the other consistent message which has proven to help ‘flatten the curve’ and reduce the number of new infections here in Australia.
Equally important is to ensure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds throughout the day.
National Coronavirus Helpline
Call this line if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1800 020 080.
For more information, please visit the following:
• Victorian Department of Health and Human Services: coronavirus.vic.gov.au
• Australian Government: australia.gov.au
• The Australian Government has released an official app with the information you need to know about corona virus. Search ‘Coronavirus Australia’ in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
• There is also the Government’s new WhatsApp feature. Send a message to the following number +61 400 253 787 on WhatsApp to access the Coronavirus information menu from the Australian government.
For more information, please visit the Department of Health website.
