Our response to COVID-19

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia. There is evidence that it spreads from person to person but good hygiene can prevent infection.

The Australian Government Department of Health provides updates and information on COVID-19 including symptoms, diagnoses, risk factors, how it spreads, prevention and general support on their website and have set up a national Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 
Each state or territory may also provide specific updates relevant to their region.  Find links to all state and territory health departments on this webpage.

Staying healthy
The Department of Health advises people to practice good hygiene to protect against infections. Good hygiene includes:

• washing your hands often with soap and water
• using a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• avoiding close contact with others, such as touching.

Pancreatic cancer patients
People with certain chronic diseases, like pancreatic cancer, may be at an increased risk of developing COVID-19 due to a weakened immune system.  Certain cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, may further weaken a patient’s immune system. Pancreatic cancer patients may also be at an increased risk of complications associated with COVID-19, which could affect a patient’s ability to receive cancer treatments.

Avner Foundation events
At this time we would like to advise that the following events have been cancelled:

Put Your Foot Down Hobart - 15 March
Put Your Foot Down Perth - 29 March
Put Your Foot Down Melbourne - 3 May

Michelle Stewart, Avner Foundation CEO has released the following statement.

Due to the escalating impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and in the interests of the health and safety of all the Foundation’s walk participants, volunteers and partners, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the annual Put Your Foot Down walks in Hobart, Perth and Melbourne. We understand the positive impact the walks have on those who attend, however protecting the health of our supporters and their families, many of whom are cancer patients or carers, is of paramount importance. We sincerely apologise to everyone and thank, in particular, our local volunteers who work hard to create and manage these wonderful events each year.

We have cancelled the above-listed events and we will provide updates in relation to any changes surrounding our other scheduled events around Australia.