Some locals have worried that novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) may spread to this region - particularly from the University of New England, which has many Chinese and other international students.
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The university's chief operations officer Professor Peter Creamer reassured the community that the institution had measures to protect locals.
"The safety and health of our students and staff are a top concern for UNE," Professor Creamer said. "We are closely monitoring the circumstances around the novel coronavirus outbreak."
Hunter New England Health experts had briefed UNE's leadership, Professor Creamer said. They were regularly updating students and staff with advice from state and federal authorities.
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The first cases were reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan, capital of Hubei province. More than 360 people have died from the disease, and more than 20,000 cases have been reported worldwide - including 12 in Australia.
Symptoms include fever, flu-like symptoms (coughing, sore throat, fatigue), and shortness of breath. People with these symptoms who may have been in contact with a carrier should visit their doctor or nearest medical centre.
Australia has banned foreign nationals from entering the country from China until 14 days after they have left mainland China. Australian citizens, permanent residents, and immediate family members are allowed to enter this country.
Staff and students who have travelled to Hubei province within the past fortnight must isolate themselves for a fortnight. So must those who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus.
A dozen cases have been reported in Australia as of Tuesday morning - none in the New England area. Three have recovered and been discharged from hospital.
As the situation is changing constantly, Professor Creamer said, UNE is directing all its communications through the UNE Medical Centre homepage to quickly update the UNE community. They were also in continual email with new and returning students and staff.
The Australian government said it had in place border, isolation, surveillance, and case tracing mechanisms to deal with the disease.
"Australia is very well prepared," the Department of Health's website reads. "Our health emergency response arrangements are flexible and scalable. They will be tailored to respond to the situation as we learn more about the virus and how it spreads."
More than 240 Australians evacuated from Wuhan are quarantined for a fortnight in Christmas Island in a controversial decision. Many Australians remain in the city or Hubei province.
The government recommends Australians do not travel to mainland China.