COVID-19 takes a toll of mental health

Coronavirus isn’t only taking a physical toll, it’s playing with our minds, too, but there are steps we should all be taking to keep ourselves mentally well

Who’ll be on the right side of COVID-19 history?

After the coronavirus nightmare has passed, harsh judgements will be made about which political leaders and health experts were on the right or wrong side in handling the crisis.

Shrinking the curve

UNSW epidemiological modelling shows that public health interventions can do more than just flatten the COVID-19 curve. Intensive case-finding and strict enforcement of isolation and quarantine, can reduce total cases and deaths without extending the outbreak’s duration.

Publish the data driving government decision-making

Australia must make full use of leading scientists’ expertise to deepen our understanding of COVID-19 and to sharpen our response. That is why the Australian Government must make public the scientific evidence that is informing its thinking.

We should have been better prepared

Had federal and state governments heeded the advice they’ve been given over the past 15 years, Australia would have an established national security hospital in every capital city’s CBD and be much better placed to fight coronavirus.

A test of global leadership

As the global coronavirus pandemic stretches our leaders’ ability to take back control, we’ll find out whether they can make the necessary adjustments to help societies thrive rather than just survive over the months to come.

Australia’s response to the Spanish flu tolls a warning for today

Australian states are finally enforcing social isolation, as they did a hundred years ago against Spanish Flu, but the worst is yet to come. Neither should restrictions be lifted too quickly, as many Australians were killed by a second wave of Spanish Flu in the autumn of 1919.

Mental health and resilience in the time of COVID-19

While the mental health risks of COVID-19 are of concern, there are measures that can be put into place now to support people emotionally, including clear communication, financial support, ways for people to socially connect during quarantining and social distancing, and adequate resources for work and education to continue.

We’re running out of time to fight this epidemic

Our best hope to limit the long-term economic damage and to save the lives of our friends and families is to do everything we can to reverse the spread of this virus.

The maths and ethics of minimising the COVID-19 toll

The Australian Government must clarify its COVID-19 strategy, but to do so means understanding the maths and ethics of either ‘flattening the curve’ or an eradication endgame.

An empty world

Images of empty public spaces – from the streets of Ginza, to soccer stadiums, to the Venice canals, to lone masked travelers on buses, trains and trams – evoke a sense of apocalyptic films and the end of days.

Helping your children with schoolwork at home

The Prime Minister wants to keep schools open, but the states are pressing for closures and many parents are already keeping their children at home. So, if your children are home from school, what can you do to support their online studies?