What is the risk of a companion animal contracting or spreading the coronavirus?

There is very little evidence that cats and dogs or any other common pet animal species can become infected with or develop disease or are able to effectively transmit the coronavirus.

The risk of coronavirus transmission to humans from fur or animal coats is assessed as low. However, animals in close proximity to infected humans may become contaminated and act as a vehicle (fomite) for carrying the coronavirus.

Depending on the animal housing environment, studies show that coronavirus survival on fur without any treatment is unlikely to exceed two days under room temperature and conditions extrapolated from limited studies on the closely related SARS CoV virus.

My animal may have come into contact with a person with COVID-19. What should I do?

It is recommended animals in contact with humans with COVID-19 should be washed immediately before entering any type of alternative accommodation including other households, boarding kennels, animal shelters and before a visit to the vet.

If contact with a human COVID-19 case has occurred, it is also recommended that people with adequate PPE transport the animal to the arranged destination for further treatment and care, ensuring appropriate hygiene procedures are also met.

Shampoo, soaps and detergents effectively applied, destroy the coronavirus. Any human shampoo or soap is fine for use on animals.

A hot detergent wash is recommended for cleaning pet bedding and other associated items.

Animal-human face contact should be minimised and appropriate PPE and hygiene procedures used according to the coronavirus risk context.

Hand hygiene is essential before and after handling your pets, as well as their food and water bowls.

Visits to veterinary clinics, animal shelters and boarding kennels

Just like many other businesses, in the current climate, veterinary clinics, animal shelters and boarding kennels require an appointment before any visit and prefer payment by credit card. Physical distancing rules apply.

In the current situation, some veterinary services may not be available.

It is very important that the coronavirus risk status of the household is clearly communicated to veterinary clinics or alternative accommodation facilities before visiting so they can take appropriate measures.

A coronavirus risk assessment should be applied to species such as horses, livestock and birds to assess the risk of contamination and the need for decontamination.

This risk assessment is a series of questions:

• Is there anyone in contact who has COVID in the last 2 days?
• Is there any possible contact with a COVID contaminated situation?
• Do I routinely touch, pat, cuddle the animal?
• Is it practical to wash the animal?
• Will washing adversely affect the health of the animals?

There is a potential coronavirus risk with ferrets and extra caution should be taken with this species if they have been exposed to an infected owner.

Where can I find more information?

• Veterinary Board of Tasmania
• Australian Veterinary Association
• RSPCA

What is a close contact

A close contact is anyone who:

• has had face-to-face contact for more than 15 minutes (cumulative over the course of a week) with someone known to have COVID-19, while that person was or may have been infectious, including in the 48 hours before their symptoms started
• shared a closed space (eg waiting room, classroom) for more than two hours with someone known to have COVID-19, while that person was or may have been infectious, including in the 48 hours before their symptoms started.

Close contacts do not include healthcare workers and other people who used infection control precautions, including the recommended personal protective equipment, while caring for someone with COVID-19.

Any other contact is deemed low risk.

The COVIDSafe app is an Australian Government initiative.

With your privacy protected by law, COVIDSafe keeps a secure note of other users you’ve been near to enhance response measures if someone is confirmed as a COVID-19 case.

Download COVIDSafe from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

For more information about the COVIDSafe app, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.

COVID-safe behaviour keeps the community safe

We all have the opportunity and a responsibility to protect lives and livelihoods by maintaining ‘COVID-safe behaviours’ – it’s that simple and yet, incredibly effective.

As a community, we are all learning how to live with COVID-19 for the foreseeable future. The threat from this virus will remain until a vaccine becomes available. This means that whilst we have been able to return to doing some things as normal there are a few restrictions and behaviours that we will have to keep up over the long term. Each and every Tasmanian has an important role to play. Our actions will determine Tasmania’s future, the protection of vulnerable people and the response to potential cases and outbreaks.

There are 5 key behaviours that we must all be aware of and follow, every day. These behaviours will ensure that we lower the risks and continue to save lives during the pandemic. Remember them, remind your family and friends about them and keep them up.

COVID-safe behaviour 1 – Stay at least 1.5 metres away from others.

The more space there is between you and others the harder it is for the virus, and germs generally, to move from one person to another. Stay 1.5 metres from others whenever you go out. Whether you are getting the groceries or meeting a friend for coffee, space saves lives. Minimising contact also means not hugging, kissing or shaking hands when you meet up with others not from your household. If everyone in the community practises physical distancing it will dramatically reduce the chances that any new cases will have had the opportunity to spread.

COVID-safe behaviour 2 – Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser when out and about.

Virus particles easily stick to our hands where they can be passed onto other people or objects we touch. Using soap and thoroughly lathering it on your hands and wrists for 20 seconds before washing it off under running water gets the virus off your hands. Hand washing can make a huge impact – the trick is to make sure you do it several times a day especially before and after eating, before you leave home and as soon as you return home. Warm water and soap are the most effective but hand sanitiser is recommended for when you are out and don’t have access to soap and water.

Take a moment to think about your hand washing habits (how often you wash, and how long you spend doing it). If each of us take just a few extra moments at the sink to wash our hands the potential benefits to community health are huge. Check out this handy guide to hand washing procedure.

COVID-safe behaviour 3 – Stay at home if you are unwell and always cover coughs and sneezes.

Now, more than ever, we need to be vigilant about not spreading illnesses to other people. Vulnerable people, older Tasmanians, businesses and really the entire community is reliant on people making sensible decisions when they feel unwell. We know that COVID-19 spreads when people are unwell and don’t take self-isolation seriously. If you feel sick, stay at home. Do not go to work, your place of study when sick with cold or flu like symptoms. Keeping our communities and workplaces safe relies upon people staying at home when unwell and them safely accessing healthcare options when needed.

It is easier than you think to spread illness to the broader community. Take a moment to think about all the places you usually go in a day, all the surfaces you touch, all the people you cross paths with at work/school, on public transport, at the supermarket and even just walking down the street. Each of those people then do the same things when going about their days. It is easy to see how a pandemic can quickly spread and the impacts on the health of our loved ones can be devastating. Staying at home when sick, saves lives. It also helps you better monitor your own health and symptoms if you take some time out at home.

COVID-safe behaviour 4 – Get tested for COVID-19 if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms.

Early detection of new cases of COVID-19 in Tasmania will keep us safe by preventing further spread in the community. As well as staying at home when if unwell we should get tested for COVID-19 anytime cold or flu-like symptoms are present. If lots of people with symptoms get tested it’s more likely that we will catch any new cases quickly. This protects everyone because anyone with the virus will get diagnosed quickly and their close contacts can be quickly identified. If we know when and where someone got sick, we can act quickly to stop the spread.

Testing is a really simple and easy process. You can call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to request a test or call your own GP for further advice. Once you have discussed your symptoms with a healthcare professional you will be given an appointment to have the test done in a location that is convenient and accessible for you. For more information specifically about being tested for COVID-19 in Tasmania, see Testing for COVID-19.

COVID-safe behaviour 5 – Be aware of, and follow, current gathering, business and travel restrictions.

Information about the situation and restrictions in Tasmania is updated every day. Knowing what is happening will help us all to make informed decisions for ourselves and our families. If you run a business or an office, sticking with these restrictions will help you protect your staff and your customers. As citizens we can protect businesses, health and the livelihoods of those in our community by being aware of our obligations and making sensible choices.

Things are slowly looking more normal again but there are still some restrictions in place. The current restrictions and risks are assessed every single day so we can rest assured that we are following the latest advice which is based on the best evidence available. As we all know, it’s easier to stick to rules when we understand what they are and what they are needed for. This website is updated every day with the latest. If you need to find out about something specific try using the search function to see what is available. The Public Health Hotline is also available to answer any questions you have; call 1800 671 738.

Remember that this is a collective effort and that every action we take matters.

If we all follow the 5 key behaviours, Tasmanians will be doing everything they can to look after those we love most and keep our community safe and strong.

Food safety

COVID-19 isn’t a foodborne illness. However, safe handling and preparation of food will help reduce the chance of picking up the illness through touching surfaces which have the virus on them. By being extra careful in following food safety advice you can help prevent the spread of disease.

Advice for when shopping and preparing food

• Wipe your shopping trolley down. Use in-store wipes provided, or take your own.
• Try not to touch your face when shopping for food and in other public places.
• Wash hands with soap and water after shopping and before preparing food.
• Use a hand sanitiser after leaving the store.
• Wash fruit and vegetables under running water before eating.
• You don’t need to use soap. This is usual food safety advice.
• Cooking food makes it safe. Heat will kill germs.

Keeping safe at home

• Before and after meals thoroughly clean food preparation surfaces like kitchen benches.
• Wash hands before preparing food for yourself and others. Wash hands before and after eating.
• Do not prepare food for others if you are unwell. This is important all the time to prevent the spread of germs.
• Do not eat or share food with people who are unwell with COVID-19. This helps reduce risk of spreading the virus.

How the virus spreads

The virus most likely spreads through:

• close contact with an infectious person
• contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze (if you are within 1.5 metres or two large steps of an infected person)
• touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs, sink taps and tables) that have cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person, and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

TasWater

Drinking water supplied by TasWater is safe to drink. Disinfection processes for drinking water are designed and operated to manage pathogens, such as viruses. Conventional disinfection applied to inactivate the most resistant viruses will also inactivate COVID-19. No additional treatment is required and there is no evidence to suggest that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted through drinking water. The safety of drinking water supplied to Tasmanians by TasWater is regulated by the Department of Health under a comprehensive legislative framework to ensure a consistent, reliable supply of safe, good quality drinking water.

Where a reticulated drinking water supply is available, this is the best and safest option. There is no need to buy bottled water. Water supply is an essential service and TasWater will continue to work with the Department to ensure that safe drinking water is delivered to your home at all times. Should the quality of your water change, then you will be advised about any restrictions on the safe use of your water. This is unlikely to occur and if it does, then it would not be COVID-19 related.

For more information see the Water Research Australia fact sheet for COVID-19.

Public drinking water fountains and bottle fill stations

Public drinking water supplies are safe to drink, however the surfaces around the fountain including the spout, button/leaver and nozzles could pose a risk for the transmission of COVID-19 and other germs.

• Don’t place your mouth on the spout of the fountain or allow your water bottle to come into contact with the nozzle when refilling.
• Test the water flow and let the water flow for 10 seconds to allow for fresh, clean water to come through prior to drinking.
• If the fountain requires you to push a button or lever, clean the surface before and after, or use your elbow.
• Clean your hands afterwards with an alcohol-based rub or wash them with soap and water.

The Department of Health will advise asset owners and managers carry out more frequent cleaning of drinking water fountains.

Drinking water safety

With the easing of restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, many facilities and services are starting to operate again; albeit in a reduced fashion. It is important to consider the safety of drinking water in buildings you manage and/or own.

Stagnant water is known to accumulate heavy metals over time to the point that the water does not meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines safe limits.

Public Health advises as part of regular maintenance, all outlets used for drinking water are flushed for at least five minutes to ensure fresh water from the mains supply is drawn through and safe for consumption. This is essential in buildings that have been wholly unoccupied or partially unoccupied during the restrictions.

This advice applies to managers/owners of multi-storey office buildings, hotels, accommodation and holiday shacks. For further information, contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

What about reusable coffee cups provided by the customer?

Reusable cups provided by customers (commonly known as keep cups) have not been banned or prohibited.

Food businesses can still accept ‘keep cups’ if they choose to. Always check the cups are clean and not likely to cause cross-contamination and don’t accept/use a cup if it is unclean. It is also a good idea to get the customer to retain/hold onto the lid. Baristas should be mindful of the need to wash their hands frequently when preparing coffee and other drinks.

As at 15 July 2020 the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in Tasmania is currently low regardless of age or health conditions. It is still important for us to manage our own health and risk and to be even more vigilant if the situation changes.

Everyone should take responsibility for protecting themselves through:

• physical distancing
• practising good hand hygiene
• practising cough and sneeze hygiene
• staying home and getting tested if you develop any cold or flu-like symptoms (even if mild)
• downloading the COVIDSafe App.

People at higher risk of developing severe illness with COVID-19 are encouraged to monitor public health advice, talk with their GP and take extra precautions to protect their health, especially when out and about. They should also take extra precautions to avoid contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms, including children who might not fully understand physical distancing boundaries.

For more information on how to make safe decisions read the Australian Government Department of Health's Living Well in the COVID-19 Pandemic tool.

The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age and those who are 70 years and older have substantial risk. There are also some medical conditions that may increase risk:

• People on immune suppressive therapy following organ transplant
• People who have had a bone marrow transplant in the last 24 months or are on immune suppressive therapy for graft vs host disease
• People with blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosed within the last five years
• Those having chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are considered to be at higher risk in public health emergencies. Specific advice is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and remote communities.

You may be at risk of moderate illness if you have other chronic conditions. For more information refer to the Australian Government Department of Health's Advice for people at risk of coronavirus.

The website also provides advice for specific groups who may be at higher risk:

• Advice for older people
• Advice for health and aged care workers
• Advice for people in aged care facilities
• Advice for people with chronic health conditions
• Advice for people with disability

People with concerns about their risk should visit their GP to help them make a risk assessment and where appropriate develop an individual COVID-19 action plan.

COVID-19 is, and will continue to be, a confusing and sometimes overwhelming time for many people. There are a range of support services available, including talking to your GP, a counsellor or other mental health professional.

See also Looking after your mental health during COVID-19 and Alcohol and COVID-19.

A Tasmanian Lifeline: 1800 98 44 34

Lifeline Tasmania has set up a new service for Tasmanians, specifically to deal with unprecedented demand for information, advice and support because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The new phone line will offer three types of support:

• Call in: Tasmanians calling in will receive psychosocial support from a trained support worker to discuss concerns and be directed to an appropriate referral service.
• Call out: The service will contact socially isolated older Tasmanians identified through existing services, family and friends who are concerned or by other health professionals.
• Reach out: Through partnerships with industries significantly impacted such as tourism and hospitality and retail, the service will identify at-risk community members and reach out to provide psychosocial support, counselling or employee assistance programs.

A Tasmanian Lifeline is staffed from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

For more information about A Tasmanian Lifeline visit the website or email taslifeline@lifelinetasmania.org.au.

Check In

The Mental Health Council of Tasmania has created the Check In website to encourage all Tasmanians to look after their own mental health well-being and check in with friends and family.

The website allows you to answer some easy questions that guide you towards support and information available in Tasmania.

Head to Health

The Head to Health website provides links to trusted Australian mental health online and phone supports, resources and treatment options. It also has online programs, forums and a range of digital information resources.

Using the search page, you can navigate to various resources and services for help if you’re experiencing mental health concerns or trying to support someone else. If you’re not sure where to start, you can also use Sam the Chatbot. Sam provides tailored recommendations on information and services that best suit your needs.

Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service

The Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service website is regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. If you are worried or struggling to cope during the coronavirus pandemic, trained counsellors through the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service helpline are available to support you 24/7 by calling 1800 512 348.

COVID Connect

COVID Connect is a free service from Australian Red Cross to provide support and community connection to people who feel socially isolated as a result of COVID-19. So, if you are not in regular contact with others and could do with  a friendly chat, one of the volunteers would be happy to call you – once or regularly – for a friendly chat to help maintain or improve social connection. Visit the Australian Red Cross website to find out more and register for a COVID Connect call.

Where to get help

There are many services waiting to listen and support anyone who needs advice or is worried, stressed or needs a friendly and understanding voice to talk things through.

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 (24 hours, 7 days)
• MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 (24 hours, 7 days)
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (24 hours, 7 days)
• National COVID Older Persons Information Line: 1800 171 866 (8:30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday)
• Headspace: 1800 650 890
• Rural Alive and Well (RAW): 1300 4357 6283 (24 hours, 7 days)
• ReachOut
• Alcohol and Drug Information Service and Family Drug Support: 1800 811 994
• Alcohol and Drug Services (Department of Health): 1300 139 641
• Quit Tasmania: 13 78 48
• Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tasmania

For all pregnant women

What effect does COVID-19 have on pregnant women?

Information on the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women and their babies is limited because the virus is new.

Pregnant women do not seem more likely to get COVID-19 than other people.

For those that do get COVID-19, most have mild or moderate illness that can be managed at home.

Some pregnant women may get very sick with COVID-19 and need hospital care.

Pregnant women at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19 include those:

• in the last three months of pregnancy (third trimester)
• with heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems
• who are obese (very overweight)
• who smoke.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 harms unborn babies.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 makes miscarriage more likely.

Around the world, there have been a few times when the virus that causes COVID-19 may have spread from a mother to her unborn baby. Each time, it did not appear to harm the baby.

How can I protect myself and my baby from COVID-19?

It is important to protect yourself and your baby from COVID-19.

• Stay at home as much as possible but continue your pregnancy check-ups with your midwife and/or doctor.
• Wash your hands often and well, using soap and running water (alcohol-based hand rub is OK if your hands do not look dirty). Always wash your hands before touching your face (especially lips, mouth, nose, eyes), food or drinks.
• Stay away from people you don’t live with (except your doctor / midwife).
• Stay well away from people who are sick.

It important to look after your general health during this time too.

• Talk with your doctor or midwife about how to stay healthy, for you and your baby.
• Get your flu shot. It won’t protect against COVID-19, but will help protect you against influenza, which can also make pregnant women very sick.
• Get vaccinated against whooping cough (after 20 weeks’ gestation) to protect your baby. Whooping cough is a serious and potentially deadly illness for babies.
• Consider online fitness programs to help you stay active at home. Pregnancy yoga and Pilates are good options. Talk with your midwife or doctor about what’s right for you.
• Get enough vitamin D, especially in Tasmania’s cooler months when it is difficult to get enough vitamin D from the sun.

Mind your mind. Being pregnant can be a stressful time. COVID-19 may have added to your stress levels. Keep in touch with family and friends through phone calls, video and social media. Stay connected on social media with groups that can help support you during this time.

I'm feeling down or anxious, where can I get help?

If you are struggling or need to talk with someone, talk with your partner, GP or midwife, or call a support service:

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) – 1300 726 306
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – 1800 882 436

It’s time to seek advice from a health professional if:

• you feel consistently bad (eg sad or worried) for more than two weeks
• negative thoughts and feelings start to affect your ability to function normally
• you have signs of depression, eg if you lose interest in doing things you usually enjoy, or often feel hopeless or unable to cope
• you feel anxious or worried most or all the time
• you start having panic attacks or develop obsessive or compulsive behaviours.

Will there be changes to my antenatal care (pregnancy check-ups)?

Your doctor or midwife may change the way you have pregnancy check-ups, to help protect you and others from COVID-19.

They may:

• shorten the time of your antenatal visits / pregnancy checkups
• increase the time between your antenatal visits / pregnancy check ups
• do some of your checks over the phone or by video
• do fewer antenatal classes and make classes smaller, or provide the classes online
• ask you to attend your appointments alone
• limit your birth support team to just your partner and maternity ward staff
• restrict visitors in hospital before, during and after the birth, allowing only your partner to visit
• arrange for you to go home from hospital early, with support from midwives visiting you at home.

Will there be changes when I give birth?

There may be changes from time to time in the availability of your local maternity / birthing hospital services, because of the risk of COVID-19 or availability of staff.

Your safety and the safety of your baby is most important.

Ask your doctor or midwife about the latest arrangements.

General information is also available on the Department of Health website.

For pregnant women told to quarantine or who have or may have COVID-19

What happens if I get sick with COVID-19? Will I need to go to hospital?

If you test positive for COVID-19 or told you are a ‘probable case’, please phone your doctor or midwife and tell them.

Most people who get COVID-19 have mild illness. If you get COVID-19 and have mild symptoms, you can stay at home. A healthcare worker will contact you most days while you are sick, to check how you are.

If you get very sick, you might need to be cared for in hospital.

Any time, if you think you are getting worse, call your doctor or the Public Health Hotline (1800 671 738). If you are very unwell or have trouble breathing, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance. Tell the operator you have COVID-19 and are pregnant.

If you are worried about your baby, call your maternity unit, midwife or doctor.

If I have COVID-19, what will that mean for my baby?

There is no evidence that COVID-19 harms unborn babies.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 makes miscarriage more likely.

Around the world, there have been times when it is possible the virus that causes COVID-19 may have spread from a mother to her unborn baby. Each time, the virus did not seem to harm the baby.

As a precaution, an ultrasound scan will be arranged for a few weeks after your recovery to check that your baby is well. However, if you are concerned for any reason during your pregnancy, contact your midwife and/or doctor.

Some women overseas with COVID-19 have given birth prematurely (early). This may be because the virus caused early birth or because doctors recommended the baby be born early because the mother was sick.

If you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 when your baby is born, your baby may be tested for the virus.

Your doctor and midwife will talk to you about the best way to keep your baby safe.

What should I do if I have been told to quarantine and I'm due for a check-up?

If you have been told to self-quarantine because of COVID-19 and are due to attend a pregnancy check up with your doctor or midwife, phone them and let them know your situation.

Your doctor or midwife will tell you if your appointment should go ahead and what you need to do.

What should I do if I am worried about my baby?

Contact your maternity unit, doctor or midwife if:

• you are worried about your baby at any time
• your baby’s movements change
• you think your waters have broken
• labour pains start.

Will being in COVID-19 quarantine affect where I give birth?

There may be changes from time to time in the availability of your local maternity / birthing hospital services, because of the risk of COVID-19 or availability of staff.

Your safety and the safety of your baby is most important.

Ask your doctor or midwife about the latest arrangements.

Your plan to birth in hospital will not change.

In hospital, midwives will closely monitor you to ensure your labour is progressing well and that your baby is coping with labour, using electronic foetal monitoring. This can only happen in a delivery unit where doctors and midwives are present.

If you are sick with COVID-19, doctors and midwives in hospital will also monitor your oxygen levels throughout labour. This is important because COVID-19 can cause shortness of breath and affect the oxygen levels in your body. If you are sick, hospital is the safest place for childbirth, for you and your baby.

Will being in COVID-19 quarantine affect how I give birth?

If you are well, COVID-19 should not cause big changes to how you give birth.

If you are unwell or short of breath, your doctor may recommend a caesarean birth.

Your doctor / midwife / birth team are likely to wear personal protective equipment (including gowns and facemasks) to protect themselves.

Your doctor and midwife will talk with you about pain relief options that are consistent with national guidelines and your obstetrician.

What should I do if I go into labour while I am in quarantine for COVID-19?

If you have been told to quarantine because of COVID-19 and you go into labour, call your midwife or hospital birth team.

Tell them you are in quarantine because of COVID-19. They will tell you what to do and where to go.

Your midwife and hospital birth team will know how to look after you and your baby safely and will follow your birth plan as much as possible.

If you are sick with COVID-19, doctors and midwives in hospital will also monitor your oxygen levels throughout labour. This is important because COVID-19 can cause shortness of breath and affect the oxygen levels in your body. If you are sick, hospital is the safest place for childbirth, for you and your baby.

Your doctor or midwife might tell you to stay at home in the early stage of labour. This is normal any time.

When it is time for you to go hospital:

• wash your hands before leaving home
• travel in your own car with your partner if you can (unless your partner has symptoms of COVID-19, in which case they should stay at home)
• call the maternity unit when you arrive outside the hospital; staff will meet you at the hospital entrance and give you a surgical mask to wear until you get to your room
• if your partner is well, they can stay with you during labour
• it is likely other support people and visitors will not be allowed.

Will I be able to hold and feed my baby?

If you are sick with COVID-19, you should still be able to hold and feed your baby if you are well enough. Your midwife will show you how to protect your baby.

There is no evidence the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread through breast milk. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks.

Whichever way you choose to feed, you will need to:

• wash and dry your hands well (or use alcohol-based hand rub) before touching your baby, breast pump or any other feeding equipment
• wear a facemask over your mouth and nose while holding or feeding your baby.

If you express breast milk in hospital, use a breast pump that can be cleaned carefully after each use.

Where can I get more information?

For more information about COVID-19 and pregnancy / childbirth, talk with your doctor or midwife or go to the following groups for information:

• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• Raising Children Network

Widespread testing of people with cold or flu-like symptoms (even mild) is vital to track and slow the spread of COVID-19.

This page helps you understand what to expect before and after getting tested for COVID-19.

Before getting tested for COVID-19

After getting tested for COVID-19

General

Prevent the spread

Personal hygiene is an important protection against COVID-19 and all respiratory illnesses. You can help slow the spread of illness by:

• washing your hands often with soap and warm, running water (or alcohol-base hand rub), especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
• using a tissue (or flexed elbow if a tissue is not readily available) to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, then putting the tissue in the rubbish
• keeping two large steps from others if you can, when you are out in public
• contacting your GP or the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to be tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms of fever, runny nose, cough, sore or itchy throat, or shortness of breath
• wearing a facemask if you are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms and need to be around other people (for example, to access arranged medical care).

Hand hygiene

Practising good hand hygiene is your best defence.

How to wash

• Use soap and warm, running water if you can.
• Make sure the soap and water get on your whole hand – palms, backs of hands, thumbs, fingertips, wrists and the webbing between your fingers.
• Rub your hands for 15–20 seconds, or for as long as it takes to sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song slowly.
• Rinse and dry well.

When to wash

• After coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose
• Before touching your face, especially your mouth, lips, nose, eyes
• Before eating, drinking, preparing food/drinks
• After caring for someone who is unwell
• After going to the toilet
• After handling money, especially if you’re eating or handling food.

Hand sanitiser

If the product is labelled and/or promoted as providing a therapeutic benefit (claims that it kills specific organisms or is to be used in clinics or hospitals) then it needs to be Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved or made to an approved recipe under the TGA exemption.

A more detailed explanation can be found on the TGA website.

Watch out for inappropriate claims

The TGA enforces restrictions on the types of claims that are allowed to be made on the labels and in promotional material for hand sanitisers that it regulates. For example, the label or an advertisement for hand sanitiser cannot claim to help reduce the transmission of the coronavirus or prevent COVID-19 unless it has been approved for those claims.

If a hand sanitiser claims to be "suitable for use in medical and health services", it must either be regulated by the TGA, or it must meet specified formulation, manufacturing, labelling and advertising requirements. Hand sanitisers that are regulated by the TGA will have an AUST R number included on the label.

If a hand sanitiser claims to kill specific organisms (eg E.coli or viruses), it is required to be regulated by the TGA and assessed for safety, quality and effectiveness. If a hand sanitiser makes these claims and it does not have an AUST R number on the label, it is likely to be a non-compliant product that has not been assessed by the TGA.

General household and workplace cleaning

Cleaning is an important way to slow the spread of viruses like the one that causes COVID-19.

For frequently touched surfaces like door handles, tabletops, desks, light switches, railings, shared keyboards and mice, taps and handles:

• Clean these surfaces frequently, making sure you remove any visible dirt and organic matter so that the disinfectant can work well.
• Regularly wipe the surface using your normal household or workplace detergent/disinfectant, following the instructions on the label.
• It’s okay to use detergent wipes, as long as the cleaning process is thorough and removes visible dirt/organic matter.

Surfaces that are less often touched:

• Clean these surfaces at least when they start to look dusty or dirty and immediately after any spillage or contamination.
• Use your normal household or workplace detergent, following the instructions on the label.
• It’s okay to use detergent wipes, as long as the cleaning process is thorough and removes visible dirt/organic matter.
• Damp mopping is better than dry.

Physical distancing

Physical distancing means increasing physical space between you and other people. It is important to exercise physical distancing because COVID-19 is most likely to spread by close contact with an infected person, or by contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. So, the more space between you and others, the harder it is for the virus to spread.

For more information see the Guide to physical distancing.

People at higher risk

Some people who may be at higher risk of developing severe illness with COVID-19 are encouraged to monitor public health advice, talk with their GP and take extra precautions to protect their health. For more information see Higher risk Tasmanians.