“No hand shaking”: New warnings as Australia records first person-to-person coronavirus cases
The New South Wales Health Minister has recommended Aussies stop handshaking as Australia confirmed its first cases of person-to-person transmission of coronavirus.
A 53-year-old health worker in western Sydney and a 41-year-old woman in Sydney have contracted the virus without leaving the country, bringing the total number of cases in NSW up to nine.
“There are no indications anyone else has contracted it from the doctor but NSW Health is taking every precaution,” the state’s health minister Brad Hazzard said.
“I stress that the Government here in NSW and the health authorities are being extremely transparent with the community as this unfolds.”
Hazzard advised members of the public to be “cautious but not alarmed”.
“I won’t be changing anything about what I do on a day-to-day basis. I will still be enjoying eating at a Chinese restaurant, I feel totally and absolutely safe in that situation,” he said.
“I also think it is a sensible step though for us all to recognise that trying to make sure there is no transmission to any of us that may had exposure.”
Hazzard also urged people to pat each other in the back instead of shaking hands.
“It’s time Aussies give each other a pat on the back. No handshaking, it’s not necessary,” he said.
“I’m not going to say don’t kiss, but you could be exercising a degree of care and caution with who you kiss.”
He also said people should wash their hands before carrying out any activity and avoid touching their face.
NSW chief medical officer Dr Kerry Chant said there is no widespread transmission in the state.
“We have to remain vigilant but, even if occasional cases are missed, if people practise good hygiene, do common sense things, then the likelihood of transmitting it, even if someone is unaware they had it, is reduced,” she said.
The state government has also ordered public schools to cancel any overseas trips scheduled for term one.
There are now 32 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia.