Australia is currently implementing social distancing and public health measures to control the spread of COVID-19. We ask HMRI researchers and clinicians to explain why we need to control the spread of COVID-19.

Australia is currently implementing social distancing and public health measures to control the spread of COVID-19.

HMRI researchers and clinicians explain why we need to control the spread of COVID-19.

Associate Professor Nathan Bartlett notes that this is a new virus which is very good at transmitting, so we all need to do what we can to control the spread of COVID-19. Every community has limited infrastructure for dealing with outbreaks like this, so we need to do whatever we can to contain the virus.

Jessica Stokes Parish says there’s a lot that we don’t know about this virus, but we do know that it has quite a long incubation period – up to 14 days and that means if we’re out in the community and we unknowingly have the virus, we could be infecting others.

Professor Peter Wark explains that what we’re trying to do is contain or slow the virus, it’s no longer possible to stop the spread. In countries where the disease has had a slower rise, where health systems have not been overwhelmed by the number of cases, the outcomes appear to be much better.

Professor Josh Davis is emphatic about the fact that the social distancing methods currently implemented are extremely necessary. If we don’t do anything to change our behavior our hospitals will be completely overwhelmed.

If we control the spread of this virus, we will save lives.

For up to date information and advice about the current COVID-19 situation please visit the Australian Government Department of Health, NSW Health and World Health Organisation websites.

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