Who is at risk?

Australian health authorities have identified that the people at highest risk of developing coronavirus infection are:

  • People who have travelled overseas in the last 14 days, particularly if they have travelled to mainland China, Iran, Italy and South Korea
  • Close contacts of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease.

Visit dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus for the current information on risks.

Who is most vulnerable? 

Experience tells us that people with compromised immune systems, the very old and those with diagnosed heart and lung conditions are most at risk of developing complications if they get an infection like coronavirus infection.

What should I do if I'm at risk?

Am I at Risk? What should I do? How long for?
I have returned from mainland China, Iran, Italy or South Korea in the last 14 days 
  • Call the DHHS hotline on 1800 675 398 or inform your nurse or doctor immediately
  • Self-quarantine (see below)
  • Seek medical advice if you develop respiratory symptoms.
 For 14 days after you left mainland China, Iran, Italy or South Korea
I have had close contact with a known case of coronavirus in the last 14 days 
  • Call the DHHS hotline on 1800 675 398 or please inform your nurse or doctor immediately
  • Self-quarantine (see below)
  • Seek medical advice if you develop respiratory symptoms.
 For 14 days after contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19

I have returned from international travel on or after 16th March 
  • Call the DHHS hotline on 1800 675 398 or please inform your nurse or doctor immediately
  • Self-quarantine (see below)
  • Seek medical advice if you develop respiratory symptoms.
 For 14 days after you arrived back in Australia
II have returned from overseas between the 2nd and 15th March 
  • Self monitor for respiratory symptoms (sore throat, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath or fever)
  • If you develop symptoms:
    • Call the DHHS hotline on 1800 675 398 or please inform your nurse or doctor immediately
    • Self-quarantine (see below).
 For 14 days after return from overseas
I am a healthcare worker (e.g. work in a hospital or aged care facility) and I am unwell (sore throat, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath or fever)
  • Call the DHHS hotline on 1800 675 398 or please inform your nurse or doctor immediately
  • Self-quarantine (see below).
 Until you have discussed your results with your doctor

What does self-quarantine mean?

This means you should:

  • Stay at home
  • Not go to work, school or public places
  • Not use public transport or taxis 
  • Ask friends, family members or delivery services to do errands for you
  • Try to avoid visitors to your home – it's OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food.