COVID-19

WHAT IS COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a virus. It doesn’t discriminate and anyone can become seriously ill and in severe cases, lose their life.

You can catch COVID-19 from others around you, even if they don’t show symptoms. You can catch COVID-19 and spread it, through coughing, sneezing or exhaling, spreading the virus through the air.

If you were to catch COVID-19, the virus would affect your breathing giving you cold-like symptoms. In extreme cases, COVID-19 can cause shortage of breath that will require you to go to hospital. You may even need a ventilator to assist your lungs and help you breathe.

COVID-19 can affect your health for weeks or even months. People who experience even mild illness can experience ongoing or late symptoms, including muscle pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, rash and recurring fever.

Long-term issues that can result from severe COVID-19 cases can impact different organ systems in the body, leaving health issues such as swelling of the heart muscle, lung function issues, loss of taste & smell, and development of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:

Fever
Dry cough
Fatigue
Sore throat
Shortness of breath
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
Confusion

There are other symptoms that are less common. If you want more information, please refer to the World Health Organisation.

It can be difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of COVID-19 and the common cold. If you show even the slightest symptoms, get tested straight away. If you’re unsure, refer to the Symptom Checker.

To help protect yourself, your family, workmates and your community, use COVIDSafe habits every day. You can practice COVIDSafe habits by:

Washing your hands.
Use hand sanitiser.
Cover your cough or sneeze into your elbow.
If you’re not sure, wear a face mask.

COVID-19 HEALTH DIRECTIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

Health directions and restrictions are put in place by the State Government to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading throughout the community. These restrictions change to manage and contain outbreaks.

In Victoria, current restrictions for the building, construction and development industry can be found here under construction FAQs. Should you require more information about how to manage your site and access the latest version of the restrictions, please look here.

To ensure you are following the correct government advice in Victoria, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/how-we-live.

Healthdirect also has their COVID-19 Restrictions Checker, which allows you to check what restrictions apply to different activities depending on your local area. To make a query, you can also call Healthdirect’s 24-hour health-advice line on 1800 022 222.

For Businesses:

Developing a COVIDSafe Plan is crucial to support building, construction and development industry workers operate safely, reducing the risk and impact of COVID-19 on the worksite. All building, construction and development industry businesses are required to have a COVIDSafe plan for onsite operations. If you want to learn how to control risks on the worksite and keep your employees safe, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.

Current restrictions in place for your business are:

If you can work from home, you should. Offices can increase attendance to 25 per cent capacity or 10 people, whichever is greater.
You must continue to use the QR code check in system, or where you’re unable to do so, visitor records.
Continue to apply the six principles of a COVIDSafe workplace.

GET VACCINATED - IT KEEPS US ALL WORKING

Getting vaccinated is the most important tool to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and keep the building, construction and developer sector open. Every Victorian has access to safe and free vaccinations.

If you have any questions, talk to your doctor.