COVID-19

• COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
• It spreads through respiratory droplets or small airborne particles, and is released into the environment through viral shedding.
• After recovery, some individuals may still have non-infectious virus fragments, which can result in a positive test.
• COVID-19 can be contracted by anyone, regardless of age, and can lead to serious illness.
• Risk increases in living with someone with COVID-19, spending extended time with an infected person, being indoors with an infected person, and not wearing face masks.
• COVID-19 antivirals are designed to prevent severe illness and hospitalisation but do not replace vaccination.
• Eligible individuals include those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and meet certain criteria.
• Risk factors include living in aged care, having multiple conditions or frailty, neurological conditions, chronic respiratory issues, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, cirrhosis, or living in remote areas with limited healthcare access.
• People aged 18 or older may also qualify if they have been previously hospitalised for COVID-19 or are moderately to severely immunocompromised.