Coronavirus: What Canberrans need to know now we have a COVID-19 case

Well, now it has happened, with confirmation a Canberra man in his 30s has contracted the virus.

So what does it mean for Canberrans?

At this stage, for the overwhelming majority of Canberrans, not much.

But it's important to stress the situation could soon change, as the global health crisis is evolving quickly.

Health authorities have been keen to reassure locals that the public health system is well prepared to treat people who do return positive tests for COVID-19.

"We have been practicing and preparing for this for many weeks now," Chief Health Officer Kerryn Coleman said on Thursday.

"I can assure everyone that the hospital and our health staff are very well prepared for this."

There are already restrictions in place for people who have recently returned from mainland China, Iran, Italy and South Korea, with those individuals forced to self-quarantine for 14 days. The government is considering extending that to Europe. Those who have come into "close contact" with a confirmed case during the infectious period must also stay at home for two weeks.

According to ACT health authorities, a person is declared a "close contact" if they have been face-to-face for at least 15 minutes, or in the same close space for at least two hours, with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

For the rest of us, the message is to stay claim, practice good hygiene and remain at home if you're feeling unwell.

Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, sore throat, coughing or shortness of breath.

Canberrans who think they may have contracted the virus are being advised to self isolate at home, then call their GP to make them aware of their concerns.

"Testing will be arranged by your medical practitioner if they determine it is necessary," according to the health directorate.

"It usually takes about 24-48 hours for the test results to be returned, but in some cases may take longer."

Could I be required to work from home? Will my boss pay me?

You certainly won't be able to go to work if you're confined to a fortnight of self isolation.

Full and part-time workers would be able to take paid sick leave or work from home for the two-week period, although the specifics of those arrangements would depend on individual employers and workplace agreements.

The situation is different for casual workers, who aren't entitled to paid sick or annual leave.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions and ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr have been calling, so far unsuccessfully, for the federal government to provide extra support for casual workers who are forced to self isolate.

Potentially.

ACT Education Directorate deputy director-general David Matthews said a school might be shut temporarily if a student or staff member contracts the virus. Students and teachers who had been in "close contact" with a case would be required to self-quarantine for 14 days, he said.

The response would be in line with other jurisdictions. Schools in Melbourne and Sydney have been closed in the past week after cases emerged.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said this week that rolling school closures was "likely to be the new normal".

At this stage, yes.

News of the ACT's first case of COVID-19 hasn't shifted the government's position on proceeding with public events and mass gatherings, meaning the Skyfire fireworks spectacular will go ahead as planned.

Sports Minister Yvette Berry has also encouraged Canberrans to come out in force and support the Raiders and Brumbies in their respective matches at Canberra Stadium this weekend.

People who are feeling unwell are still being told to stay at home.

"We'll of course monitor the situation in the coming days and weeks," Mr Barr said on Thursday.

"But there is no cause, as a result of the news this morning, to alter this current public advice."

Do I need to stock up anything if I'm quarantined?

I guess that depends on what's already in your cupboard and fridge at home.

Given you'll be housebound for two weeks, and unable to make trips to the supermarket, it would be wise to stock up on essential items.

Does that mean you'll need 30 packs of toilet paper? Probably not.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith does have the power to declare a "public health emergency" under the Public Health Act. If an emergency was declared, Dr Coleman would be empowered to "take any action considered to be necessary to alleviate the emergency including the segregation or isolation of a person".

But don't expect this to happen.

Dr Coleman has said that it would only be done as a last report, with authorities focused on containing the spread of the virus by working with patients and close contacts to ensure they are following health advice.

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