COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is a respiratory virus that affects humans. Coronaviruses can cause illness similar to the common cold and others can cause more serious diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Signs and Symptoms: 

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to that of a cold or flu and can include:

• fever (37.5oC or higher)

• cough

• sore throat

• difficulty breathing

• runny nose/ nasal congestion

Other symptoms may include:

• headache

• muscle or joint pain

• fatigue

• diarrhea

• nausea/vomiting

• loss of taste or smell

• loss of appetite.

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress.

Symptoms of COVID-19 vary person to person and generally appear 5 to 6 days after you are exposed to the virus. 

People who have extreme symptoms or side effects from the virus may take weeks or months to recover fully, while people with a mild illness may feel completely better within a week.

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, you should stay home when sick, and contact your local doctor or call 134 COVID (13 24 68) if you are concerned. In an emergency, call triple zero (000).

Keola Health and COVID-19

Keola Health is committed to ensuring all our staff and participants are safe and remain healthy.

At Keola Health, we provide all our staff with the basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) necessary to ensuring you are safe and healthy within your home. We ask that everyone whether staff, participants or visitors help us to reduce the risk of infection by following the Australian Government COVID-19 guidelines. If you are sick or have flu-like symptoms, please contact us immediately so we can ensure everyone is safe and following the guidelines.

Steps to help stop the spread

• Download the COVID safe app

• Wear appropriate PPE

• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters from your loved ones and others in the home, as appropriate to your care needs

• try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth

• Continue healthy habits (drink water, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and get enough sleep)

• Please follow individualized procedures at each house to ensure you are keeping yourself and those around you safe