Coronavirus (COVID-19) information
Australia and the world are facing a health crisis unprecedented in recent decades.
To keep yourself, your family, and your friends safe please continue to
- stay at home and get tested if you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild
- practise good hygiene – wash your hands and cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow
- keep your distance – stay 1.5 metres away from anyone you don’t live with
- whenever you leave home, you must take a face mask and wear it: on public transport, taxis or ride shares; inside shopping centres, large retail stores, and indoor markets; in airports and on domestic flights; and in hospitals
The coronavirus pandemic is also an economic emergency, and all of us are being affected in different ways.
Sources of financial assistance and support are listed below.
Every test helps us keep on top of this virus, even if your symptoms are mild or you've been tested before.
Stay home if unwell
If you have symptoms of coronavirus get tested and stay home.
Wear a face mask
Carry a face mask with you when you leave home and wear one whenever you cannot keep 1.5 metres distance from others.
Cover your coughs
When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth. Or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands often with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. Or hand sanitiser (over 60 per cent alcohol).
Don't touch your face
Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth – or your face covering if you’re wearing one.
Keep your distance
Stay 1.5 metres away from people you don't live with. Don’t shake hands, hug or kiss as a greeting.
Assistance and support
Australian Government financial assistance for individuals and households
Australian Government assistance for businesses
Victorian Government assistance for businesses 13 2215
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment 1800 2266
Coronavirus Test Isolation Payment 1800 675 398
Working for Victoria helping jobseekers to find work
Residential tenants and landlords
Advice for renters 1800 068 860
Department of Social Services coronavirus support
Find local emergency relief organisations
Information and advice
If you suspect you may have coronavirus (COVID-19), contact your GP, or call the hotline 1800 675 398
Victorian Department of Health
Australian Department of Health World Health Organization Translated coronavirus information (Victorian Government) Translated coronavirus information(SBS) Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080(For translating or interpreting 131 450) Older Persons Advocacy Network 1800 237 981
Report a breach of COVID-19 restrictions
Business and industry information
Schools information 1800 338 663
Public Transport Victoria 1800 800 007
Mental health and wellbeing
Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service 1800 512 348
Head to Health COVID-19 supportPartners in Wellbeing (free counselling) 1300 375 330
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
Suicide Line 1300 651 251
Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
headspace (youth) 1800 367 968
ReachOut (for young people and parents)
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
safe steps (family violence) 1800 015 188
SANE Australia 1800 187 263
Switchboard (LGBTIQA+) 1800 184 527
FriendLine 1800 424 287
more health resources