The Filipino Community in Australia is advised to constantly be aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak. Please monitor the following websites for the latest developments and advisories on the COVID-19 in Australia and in the Philippines:

Department of Health of Australia:
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

World Health Organization:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Department of Health of the Philippines:
https://www.doh.gov.ph/2019-nCoV
https://www.doh.gov.ph/2019-nCov/FAQs

All Filipinos, including our health professionals, in the various states of Australia are urged to follow all medical advice and directions as well as take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Anyone experiencing virus symptoms and/or has travelled from the affected areas is strongly advised to follow the directions set forth in the health advisories. The latest advice and alerts from the health departments of each state, as well as their respective telephone hotlines, may be found here:

New South Wales : (1800 022 222)
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/default.aspx

Victoria : (1800 675 398)
https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/news-and-events/HealthAlerts/2019%20Coronavirus%20disease%20-COVID-19

Queensland : (13 43 25 84)
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/diseases-infection/diseases/coronavirus

Western Australia : (1800 020 080)
https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus

South Australia : (1800 020 080)
https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/health+topics/health+topics+a+-+z/novel+coronavirus

Northern Territory : (08 922 8044)
https://securent.nt.gov.au/alerts/coronavirus-covid-19-updates

Tasmania :(1800 671 738)
https://securent.nt.gov.au/alerts/coronavirus-covid-19-updates

ACT: (1800-020-080)
https://health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/updated-information-about-covid-19

If you have flu-like symptoms and you have recently travelled to a COVID-19 affected country/area and developed a fever or respiratory symptoms, it is advised that you visit your doctor or the hospital emergency department. Please note that it is important that you call before visiting to describe your symptoms and travel history. You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse or triple zero (000) for a very urgent medical emergency or severe difficulty in breathing.

If you do not have symptoms but would want to talk to someone for general information on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), you may dial the Australian Government's Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

For those travelling to the Philippines, please see the latest Advisory on travel restrictions for foreigners going to the Philippines which may be accessed at https://philembassy.org.au/latest/advisory/on-the-temporary-suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-travelers-from-china-and-its-special-administrative-regions.

Those who will be allowed to enter the Philippines, including Filipino citizens and their foreign spouse and children, holders of permanent resident visas, members of the diplomatic corps, and non-restricted foreigners, will still be referred to the Philippine Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) upon arrival for the 14-day quarantine, based on existing Department of Health (DOH) guidelines. They are also advised to check with their airlines and the relevant government agency / local governments for any travel outside of Metro Manila.