Information and advice about coronavirus

Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. On this page you will find resources designed to help you stay informed.

New visas for Pacific workers

The Australian Government has announced new measures for Pacific workers who are in Australia through the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) and Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP).

Any PLS or SWP worker whose visa is about to expire can now stay in Australia for up to 12 months.

This means they can continue to provide for themselves and their families back home, and also help keep Australia’s essential services running during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on how PLS and SWP workers can stay in Australia, visit the:

Please note: Workers will need to ask their employers for help to apply for a new visa.

How to protect yourself against infection

You should practice good hygiene by making sure you:

wash your hands regularly
cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
dispose of tissues in the bin
avoid close contact with others.

People who have coronavirus may have a fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath. If you think you have the virus, first call your doctor or a medical clinic.

Visit the Department of Health coronavirus web page for more information.

Who to contact for urgent help

If you are severely unwell or have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, phone 000 (triple zero) for urgent medical assistance.

If you are a worker and cannot meet your immediate living expenses at this time, you can contact the Australian Tax Office to find out if you can access your Australian superannuation: 13 10 20.