How social distancing can halt the spread of coronavirus
For several weeks health authorities and state and federal governments have been urging Australians to practice social distancing.
But many Australians still out-and-about appear not to understand just how they could be responsible for the infections of hundreds of people.
COVID-19 is highly contagious, even if the infected person does not display any symptoms.
Every act of social distancing can have a dramatic impact on the spread of coronavirus. Australian Government
A person infected with coronavirus will pass the disease on to an average of two to three people every five days.
If those infected people do likewise, 406 people will be infected within 30 days.
Statistically, several dozen of those will need serious medical care, and some may die.
But if Australians halve their exposure to other people, by the end of the 30 days, that one person will be responsible for just 15 infections.
And with 75 per cent less exposure, just two to three people will be infected in 30 days.
Dr Siouxsie Wiles from the University of Auckland created this infographic to show of the effectiveness of social distancing. Siouxsie Wiles
New Zealand microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles created this infographic to illustrate just how easily the virus can spread, and how social distancing can have a dramatic impact.
Social distancing is vital because a slower rate of infection means hospitals and health care workers can cope with the influx of patients.
Every person staying at home is a person not spreading coronavirus or catching it.
Lifeguards stand on an empty Bondi Beach after crowds were banned from being there. AAP
At the current rate of infection, hospitals could run out of beds and equipment in a matter of weeks.
And in the absence of adequate medical care, the fatality rate from the disease would skyrocket, as it has in Italy.
Worldwide, more than 378,000 people have contracted coronavirus.
A week ago, it was about half that.
A commuter looks through a water-stained window wearing a mask and gloves to help guard against the Coronavirus, on a public bus in downtown Tehran, Iran, February 2020. AP
More than 16,000 people have died from the virus, including 6000 in Italy, 3200 in China, 2300 in Spain and 1800 in Iran.
Seven Australians have died from coronavirus.
Fewer than ten per cent of Australians with coronavirus have recovered thus far.
Several of the most recent people in Australia to contract coronavirus are backpackers in the Sydney suburb of Bondi.
On Saturday Bondi's iconic beach was closed after it was packed with swimmers and sunbathers on Friday.
READ MORE: All your big coronavirus questions answered
Beachgoers are seen at Bondi Beach despite the threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Sydney, Friday, March 20, 2020. AAP
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