29 January 2020
Novel coronavirus (also called 2019-nCoV) is a new strain of coronavirus affecting humans. The Australian Government Department of Health is working across agencies and with states and territories to implement measures to manage the risk of novel coronavirus.
Copies of the factsheets are available on the Department of Education website.
What is this virus?
Coronaviruses can make humans and animals sick. Some coronaviruses can cause illness similar to the common cold and others can cause more serious diseases, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The virus seen in Hubei Province, China is called ‘novel’ because it is new. It had not been detected before this outbreak. Most people infected live in, or travelled to, Hubei Province, China. There have been cases of 2019-nCoV reported in other Chinese provinces and other countries. It is likely that the virus originally came from an animal, and there is evidence that it can spread from person-to-person.
Information for students and staff arriving from Hubei Province, China
Factsheet to find out more about what you can do if you have travelled to the region.
Information for administrators
Factsheet for administrators.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the Australian Government Department of Health homepage at www.health.gov.au.
Call the Public Health Information Line on 1800 044 599.
Discuss any questions you have with the Public Health Agency monitoring you.
Contact your state or territory public health agency:
