COVID-19 and Parkinson’s
This page was updated on 26 February 2021 at 5:44pm. This advice will be updated as new information becomes available.
At the time of writing NSW had gone more than 38 consecutive days without any community transmission of COVID-19.
Therefore the Premier of NSW has announced further easing of COVID-19 restrictions as of Friday 26 February 2021. However, despite the new guidelines she urged people not to allow anyone into their home if they have COVID-19 symptoms.
NSW Health will further review restrictions on 17 March.
As always, the priority of Parkinson’s NSW is supporting people living with Parkinson’s, their families and caregivers amid these challenging times.
This page is intended to be a one-stop reference point giving you access to the facts and information that is relevant to you. Please bookmark this page as we will be updating the information regularly.
The Parkinson’s NSW specialist care team is here to support you by calling 1800 644 189 or emailing pnsw@parkinsonsnsw.org.au
Our InfoLine and information and support services are still here with support for you.
We will continue to update our website as new information becomes available.
COVID-19 vaccine
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia.
Priority groups such as aged care and disability care residents and workers, frontline health care workers, and quarantine and border workers will be the first to receive a COVID-19 vaccine starting in February.
The National Rollout Strategy details how the vaccine will be distributed more widely over coming months through over 1,000 distribution sites.
COVID-19 vaccine and Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s NSW has developed a fact sheet for people living with Parkinson’s. If you have any questions about the vaccine and what this means for you someone you know living with Parkinson’s please call our specialist care team on 1800 644 189.
Click here to access the COVID-19 vaccine and Parkinson’s information
What you need to know
QR Codes
Venues and businesses are required to record the details of people who visit or shop at that location. This enables contact tracing if a COVID-19 case is associated with that location.
Posters displaying Quick Response (QR) Codes are being used for this purpose (although many locations also provide the option of written registration).
QR Codes may seem intimidating at first, they are simply a version of the barcodes you see every day on consumer goods at your supermarket.
QR codes but they are a fast and accurate way for you to register at places you visit for COVID safety purposes.
This is what a QR code looks like – follow step 1 below to practice using your smartphone. You will be directed to the homepage of the Parkinson’s NSW website.
1. When you arrive at a venue, open the camera application on your smartphone and point it at the QR code on the poster. There is no need to take a photograph, just point the camera.
This will automatically open a window on your phone screen which will enable you to input your contact information for contact tracing purposes.
2. If you have the Service NSW application installed, you will automatically be taken to the check in.
If you don’t have the Service NSW application installed, you will be offered two options:
- Download the Service NSW application, create an account and check in
- Check in using an online form.
3. A staff member at the venue may ask to check the successful sign-in on your phone.
Status of COVID-19 in NSW
At the time of writing, New South Wales had zero locally- or interstate-acquired cases of COVID-19.
There was only one case acquired overseas.
A total of 4,954, 361 tests have been carried out to date. Read more facts about COVID-19 in NSW
More than 3,200 people received their COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine in the first two days of the vaccination program in NSW.
As of 26 February, there has been a further easing of restriction for the Greater Sydney region.
Guidelines and restrictions currently in place
In all areas, it is strongly recommended that you go for a COVID-19 test even if you have the mildest of symptoms.
People who are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection include:
- People aged 70 years and over
- People aged 65 years and over with chronic medical conditions
- People with a compromised immune system
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 50 years and older with one or more chronic medical conditions.
If you are in one of these groups, follow the guidance for vulnerable people.
Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong
- 50 visitors – including adults and children – are now allowed in homes (up from the previous limit of 30 visitors.
- 30 people can now dance at weddings, and guests may rotate on and off the dance floor as long as the total limit is respected. Previously only the wedding party was permitted to dance. (However people may not dance indoors at any venue unless attending a wedding)
- 50 people are now permitted in gym classes, as long as the 4-square-metre rule is respected.
- 30 people (up from 5) may now sing together indoors, subject to social distancing requirements
- The 4-square-metre rule remains in place for congregants at places of worship, however all may now sing if wearing face masks
- Cinemas have reverted to 100 percent capacity.
- If you are over 70 or have a pre-existing medical condition, you should limit the number of visitors and take care at all times.
- NSW Health strongly recommends the wearing of face masks indoors.
- Wearing face masks is mandatory at airports and on domestic commercial flights under the same conditions as Greater Sydney.
- Visitors: Up to 50 visitors from any number of households may visit another household at any one time. The total number of visitors includes adults and children. (A member of the hosting household is not counted as a visitor.)
- There is no daily limit to visitors to your home, so long as you do not have more than 50 visitors at any one time.
- If you are over 70 or have a pre-existing medical condition, you should limit the number of visitors and take care at all times.
- An overnight stay as part of a visit to someone’s house is allowed.
- If there are more than 50 visitors at a home, every person will be held individually responsible for a breach of the public health order.
- As the home is a high transmission area, NSW Health strongly recommends having no more than 30 visitors at a time if the residence has no outdoor area.
- Weddings: The number of people attending a wedding or a post-wedding gathering is subject to the one person per 2 square metres rule.
- You must complete and register a COVID-19 Safety Planfor your event.
- People attending will be required to provide their name and contact details so that they can be used for contact tracing.
- Only the wedding party, to a maximum of 20 persons, is permitted on a dancefloor. There cannot be rotation of people on the dancefloor beyond this wedding party.
- Funerals and memorial services: The number of people who may attend a funeral or memorial service or a gathering following a funeral or memorial service, is subject to the one person per 2 square metres rule..
- Places of public worship, funeral homes and crematoria must be registered as a COVID Safe business.
- People attending the service will be required to supply their name and contact details so that they can be used for contact tracing.
- Read common questions about attending funerals, memorial services and wakes.
- Religious gatherings and places of worship: The number of people in a place of public worship is subject to the one person per 2 square metres rule..
- The venue must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and be registered as a COVID safe venue.
- People attending the service will be required to supply their name and contact details so that they can be used for contact tracing.
- For religious services held at a location other than a place of public worship, the principal organiser is responsible for developing and complying with a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
- Services can also be streamed or recorded to enable people to engage in worship.
- See the advice for services involving music and singing.
- It is strongly recommended that people attending services in places of worship wear a mask.
Reminder
- It is important for the ongoing control of COVID-19 in NSW that anyone who has any symptoms, no matter how mild, continues to get tested immediately and self-isolate until a negative result is received.
- Symptoms include a runny nose, cough, sore or scratchy throat, fever, loss of smell or taste, or shortness of breath.
COVID-19 testing clinics near you
When should I see my doctor?
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can have a range of symptoms (from no symptoms at all to pneumonia).
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- tiredness
- difficulty breathing
- headache
- muscle pain (myalgia)
- joint pain
- loss of sense of smell (anosmia)
- distortion the of sense of taste (dysgeusia)
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, use the healthdirect Symptom Checker to find out what to do next.
Help slow the spread of COVID-19
It is important to:
- Follow the rules about visiting other households, self-isolation and quarantine
- Practise good hand hygiene and physical distancing
- Take extra care if you’re around vulnerable people
- Get tested if you have any symptoms and stay home while you are waiting for test results.
Smartphone applications available for Coronavirus information and protection
The Australian Government Department of Health has released two smartphone applications (apps) to help citizens and the Government cope with the pandemic.
How is it spread?
The virus is most likely spread person-to-person through:
- Direct close contact with a person while they are infectious or 24 hours before their symptoms appeared
- Close contact with a person with a confirmed infection who coughs or sneezes
- Touching objects or surfaces (such as doorknobs and handles) contaminated by a cough or sneeze from an infectious person
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help.
How can we prevent the spread?
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and dispose of it in the bin, and wash your hands
- If you feel unwell, avoid contact with others (stay 1.5m apart from people)
How to wash your hands properly
What is social distancing?
The more space between you and others, the harder it is for the virus to spread.
Steps for social distancing in all homes include:
- stay at home unless going out is absolutely necessary
- keep visitors to a minimum
- reduce visits to the shops — instead, buy more goods and services online if you can for pick-up, pre-order or delivery
- carefully consider what travel and outings are necessary, both individual and family
- regularly disinfect surfaces that are touched a lot, such as tables, kitchen benches and doorknobs
- increase ventilation in the home by opening windows or adjust air conditioning
Read the full social distancing guidance from the Department of Health here
Older Australians
For most people, coronavirus is a mild disease with a quick recovery. But for older Australians, it can be more serious.
Together, we can help stop the spread and stay healthy.
What does isolation in your home mean?
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you must stay home to prevent it spreading to other people
- Do NOT go to public places such as work, school, shopping centres or university
- Ask a family member or friend to get food and other essentials and leave them at your door
- Do NOT let visitors in – only people who usually live with you should be in your home
What if I develop symptoms?
If you develop symptoms (fever, a cough, sore throat, tiredness or shortness of breath) within 14 days of arriving in Australia, or within 14 days of last contact of a confirmed case, you should arrange to see your doctor for urgent assessment.
It is imperative that you:
- Contact your GP’s office BEFORE you arrive to let them know if you have been overseas or in contact with someone who has been confirmed to have COVID-19
- You must isolate yourself either in your home, hotel or health care setting until authorities have informed you it is safe for you to return to usual activities
- If you have any questions, contact the InfoLine on 1800 644 189 or call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
Who is at most risk?
- People with a compromised immune system (e.g. cancer patients)
- Elderly people
- Children
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as they have a higher rate of chronic illness
- People with chronic medical conditions (e.g. lung or heart disease)
- People in group residential settings
- People in detention facilities
What more can I do?
- Be kind to one another
- Stay connected through phone calls, text messages and social media
- Stay active
- Follow the information supplied by reliable sources
- Social distancing doesn’t need to mean social isolation
More information
For the latest advice, information and resources:
- www.health.gov.au
- National Coronavirus Help Line 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450
- Your state or territory health agency. Contact details are available at www.health.gov.au/state-territory-contacts
- If you have concerns about your health, speak to your doctor (call before attending)
- Parkinson’s related information or advice call Parkinson’s NSW InfoLine 1800 644 189
- Australian Govt landing page which is frequently updated on COVID-19, Visit here.
- Australian Government Dept of Health daily status update visit here
- Australian Government Dept of Health on how to protect yourself and others visit here
- ACCC advice for consumers during COVID-19 situation – including consumer rights around travel and event cancellations, grocery pricing etc. Visit here
- World Health Organisation Q&A page on Coronavirus. Visit here
- Australian Taxation Office hotline for tax questions during COVID-19 situation. Visit here
- Australian Govt Department of Home Affairs re: latest travel alerts and restrictions, Visit here
- HealthDirect – Excellent FAQs on various aspects of COVID-19. Visit here
- Australian Psychological Society (APS) on how to deal with Coronavirus anxiety and how to maintain mental health during lock-down. Visit here
- ABC news guide to what’s open and what’s closed, and likely timeline. Visit here
Parkinson’s specific COVID-19 information
- Parkinson’s Foundation blog – live Q&A sessions about COVID and Parkinson’s. Visit here
- Michael J. Fox Foundation ‘Ask the MD’ content re: COVID and Parkinson’s. Visit here
- Shake It Up overview – overlaps with Michael J. Fox content above. Visit here
- Parkinson’s News Today (published from US) overview. Visit here
Emotional and mental well-being
- Beyond Blue has helpful tips on how to look after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.
- The Australian Psychological Society has an information sheet on how to cope with coronavirus anxiety.
- The World Health Organisation has issued a statement about mental health and the coronavirus.
- RUOK? have some tips about looking out for family members or friends who are struggling.
- ReachOut has ’10 ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus’.
- The Butterfly Foundation has tips and advice for people with eating disorders.
- Emerging Minds have resources about talking to children about disasters or traumatic events.
- Phoenix Australia has tips for you and your fami0 mly.
- Kids Helpline is a phone counselling service for children and young people.
- Wayahead Directory has a list of mental health and community services.
- Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health for resources, information and support.
- Orygen has information for young people and families.
- Roses in the Ocean has mental health tips for working from home
- Centres for disease control and prevention has tips on managing stress and anxiety
- Mindspot – staying mentally and physically well
- Head to Health – mental health tips
Exercise
- YouTube Parkinson’s-specific exercise to do at home:
- Balance exercises go here
- Coordination exercises go here
Lighter information on coping during self-isolation
- Epicurious web site on cooking and eating during the Coronovirus era. Visit here
- SMH: How people locked down in other countries are coping. Visit here
- SMH: The non-panicky guide to cooking your way through quarantine. Visit here
- RSPCA is encouraging people in self-isolation to adopt pets. Read here
- SBS: Coronavirus and your dog – no need to panic yet. Read here
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