Compared to other developed countries, Australia, so far, has been able to avoid the worse scenario for Covid-19. While several potential vaccines and even cure are in various stages of development across the world, the Australian federal and state governments are doing their best to minimise the number of infection in the country and save the lives of those who are already infected.
The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Australia and fatalities caused by it varies from state to state as shown in the table below (updated as of 27 Nov 2020).
| No. of confirmed cases | New cases in the last 24 hrs | Total no. of deaths | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 4,552 | 6 | 53 |
| Victoria | 20,345 | 15 | 819 |
| Queensland | 1,197 | 0 | 6 |
| Western Australia | 817 | 7 | 9 |
| South Australia | 559 | 1 | 4 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 115 | 0 | 3 |
| Northen Territory | 52 | 5 | 0 |
| Tasmania | 230 | 0 | 13 |
| Austraia-wide | 27,867 | 13 | 907 |
Consequently, different states have in place different protocols in relation to the management and containment of the pandemic. Below are links to state government websites discussing what existing Covid-19 protocols are currently in effect in their respective jurisdictions.
- New South Wales (NSW)
- Victoria (VIC)
- Queensland (QLD)
- Western Australia (WA)
- South Australia (SA)
- Tasmania (TAS)
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Northern Territory (NT)
Because of social distancing being observed everywhere, telehealth phone or video consulting with a GP is now possible in all Australian states.
If you’re outside of Australia and your arrival in Australia has been deferred due to Covid-19, make sure you arrange with your education agent or your provider to move the starting and end date of your OSHC to when you think you can finally come to Australia. You can adjust your cover dates as many times as necessary without charges.
If you’re inside Australia and the starting dates of your classes have been moved or delayed due to Covid-19, note that you cannot also move the start and end dates of your OSHC cover. OSHC follows your actual stay in Australia rather than your study schedule.
If you’re in distress because of Covid-19 there are several support channels you can avail of. Many of them are provided by school, VET and universities. Some are provided by your OSHC provider. Some by the state government where you’re studying, some by the Federal government.
