Information about Coronavirus

HomeInformation about Coronavirus

Little Athletics South Australia is committed to the health and wellbeing of all its members, including athletes and their families, volunteers, spectators, and administrators. Over the last few days, several State, Territory and Australian health department related alerts have been issued in relation to the novel coronavirus.

The Australian Health Department suggests that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. This can be done by following the everyday preventive actions for protecting against respiratory infections.

  • Practice simple hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes and wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact, when possible, with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
  • Make sure you stay home if you are sick.

The Department of Health is monitoring the situation.  Australia already requires passengers who show signs of infectious disease, including fever, sweats or chills, to identify themselves to biosecurity officers when they arrive in Australia for assessment.  The Department of Health is working closely with State and Territory Chief Health Officers to ensure they coordinate an evidence-based response across the country.  Several State and Territory Governments are requesting that children who have visited China not attend school or childcare services until 14 days have lapsed from their date of departure. Although the risk is very low, some Governments have taken this step as an additional precautionary measure.

Little Athletics South Australiaencourages Centres to consider applying these same incubation periods for any of their members returning from China during this time, as a precautionary measure. As mentioned previously, while the risk is very low, this is an additional precautionary measure that may assist in reducing the likelihood of infection for you and those at your Centre.

Authoritative guidance, along with further information and updates, is available via the Australian Government Department of Health website.