The Department of Health has released a new COVID-19 television advertisement, aimed at young people and delivering the blunt message that their actions could put the lives of their loved ones at risk.
The How the Virus Spreads advertising features a young man whose mother is in intensive care with COVID-19 after catching the virus from him.
He was infected by his mate who was infected by a workmate. All three were young. None knew they were infected.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the message clearly demonstrated how fast COVID-19 could spread, often without people knowing it, while showing the severity of the virus and how it could touch family and loved ones.
“The ad’s message is for everyone,” Mr Hunt said.
“COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease that can quickly spread through everyday interactions and individual behaviour,” he said.
“This is particularly salient for young Australians who are catching COVID-19 more than any other age group.”
Mr Hunt said members of the 20-to-29-year age group were the most likely to contract the virus, with young women more so than young men.
Though symptoms were often mild, he said, young people could still be seriously impacted: They are not immune!
“Previously, cases of COVID-19 have been reported across all age groups,” Mr Hunt said.
“However there is now a shift to younger populations.
“The ad is a reminder to them — and the rest of the community — to keep doing the essential things.”
The Minister summarised the ‘essential things’ as washing hands, keeping physical distance, getting tested, staying home if sick, downloading the COVIDSafe app and, in areas of high community transmission or where physical distancing was difficult, wearing a mask.
The new TV advertisement can be accessed at this PS News link. Note it has a soundtrack.
