Updated 19 July 2023

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a worldwide pandemic on 11 March 2020. This pandemic declaration remains active.

The WHO offers dynamic situation reports, advice and information regarding COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and treatments at this link.

Australians are urged to visit the Commonwealth Government’s Department of Health & Aged Care website for resources and advice about COVID-19, self-isolation and available supports.

The Department of Health & Aged Care website is a credible source, with accurate information on:

• Understanding more about the COVID virus.

• Taking steps to prevent COVID-19

• What to do if you think you might have COVID-19

• Avenues for accessing prescription medication, e.g. oral antiviral treatments.

• Advice for retirement villages.

Information for Older Australians

People aged 70 years and over, people with compromised immune systems, and people with some chronic medical conditions are at greater risk of more serious illness from COVID-19.

This Department of Health & Aged Care webpage aggregates helpful COVID-19 links and resources specifically for older people and their care providers. It includes advice on:

• COVID-19 vaccinations, and ATAGI 2023 booster updates.

• Oral antiviral treatments.

• Symptoms

• Best defences, and protecting yourself from COVID.

• Advice for older people in Residential Aged Care services

Australian Government Videos

The Australian Department of Health has produced many videos on COVID-19, including:

• Staying Safe from COVID-19 (Video)

• COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Treatments (Video)

• How to use a nasal Rapid Antigen Test [RAT] (Video)

• Reasons to Wear a Face Mask (Video)

• Making a Health Plan for Winter (Video)

State and Territory Health Departments

Australian Capital Territory : ACT Government Health

New South Wales : NSW Government Health

Northern Territory : NT Government Health

Queensland : Queensland Government Health & Wellbeing

South Australia : SA Health

Tasmania : Tasmanian Government Department of Health

Victoria : Victoria State Government Health and Human Services

Western Australia : Government of Western Australia Department of Health  

Other Resources

The national Healthdirect website also contains useful resources and reliable free health advice. See :

To obtain information over the telephone, call the Australian Government’s National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. The hotline operates around the clock every day of the week. For translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.

People with disability and their families, carers and support workers can also contact the Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787 to get free, fact-checked information about COVID-19. Callers can also be referred to other support services if needed, including counselling and advocacy.

If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.