Coronavirus could be worse than the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak of 2002 which killed almost 800 people, fears Port Macquarie international student, Frank Liu.
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Mr Liu has family living in China.
The new respiratory illness has so far infected more than 6000 people worldwide and caused more than 130 deaths in China.
There have been seven confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Australia, according to NSW Health. All cases had travelled to Wuhan, China or had contact with a confirmed case in China.
Mr Liu, who is studying a Masters of Information Technology at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquare said he contacted his parents who live in Northern China.
"I knew all about the virus from the news and I think it's a serious thing. It's more serious than SARS in 2002 to 2003," he said.
"When SARS happened they didn't block the city and they have done that for this. I'm a little worried about my parents in China but I have gotten in touch with them and they know about the virus.
"They also think it's serious and they have decided to stay home now. They are also wearing masks and they won't go out if it's not necessary. My friends in China treat it as SARS and they are all staying home."
The new virus, known as '2019-nCov' or novel coronavirus, was initially announced in December and has reportedly been traced back to a seafood market in central China's Hubei province of Wuhan.
"Of course the animal markets are not good," said Mr Liu. "Even in China there are rules and laws that people cannot have wild animals. It's not only a bad habit it's also breaking the law.
"I feel safe in Port Macquarie but it's not as far away as we imagine. We are an isolated island but it's already arrived in Sydney.
"I think Australia we should really think about Coronavirus. In Sydney and Melbourne there are already cases and we should do more to prevent it from spreading to other people.
"I think medical companies or factories who produce masks should look at providing them to people."
NSW Health is advising people who have recently returned from Wuhan or have been in contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus infection be aware of the symptoms and seek immediate health assessment if symptoms develop within 14 days.
"Anyone with these symptoms should practice simple hygiene by covering their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow and washing their hands thoroughly," said NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant.
"The most common symptom is a fever, other symptoms include cough, sore throat and shortness of breath."
NSW health authorities have waived fees for those who don't have Medicare or private health insurance. Some schools, TAFE and universities are urging at-risk students to stay at home for at least 14 days.
NSW Health is working with commonwealth government agencies to monitor travellers returning from Wuhan, China.
NSW minister for health Brad Hazzard says it is important people feel confident contacting their GP or local emergency Department.
"They should also call ahead to speak to their GP or Emergency Department. If the GP considers novel coronavirus testing is needed they will be referred to the Emergency department for testing," he said.
The Smart Traveller website has issued a statement on January 28 advising Australian travellers to 'reconsider your need to travel'.
"Due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus we now advise you 'reconsider your need to travel' to China overall and 'do not travel' to Hubei Province," it stated.
"Chinese authorities have restricted travel for parts of the country and may extend these restrictions at short notice. Travellers may be quarantined, due to their health condition or previous location.
"If you've travelled to Hubei Province and have developed symptoms of respiratory illness, contact your doctor."
Health authorities are advising all people who have had any contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus to isolate themselves in their homes for 14 days.
Parents with concerns can contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 for advice or visit the dedicated NSW Health information page.
Anyone who develops a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of travel to Hubei or contact with a person with confirmed coronavirus, should immediately isolate themselves from other people, contact their GP or local emergency department or call the healthdirect helpline 1800 022 222.
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