Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. COVID-19 is a new virus that can cause an infection in people, including a severe respiratory illness. The Australian State and Federal Governments as well as other stakeholders have produced a range of helpful resources. Follow the links on this page to take you to a document with a summary of the resources available during this period. The documents are updated routinely.
Information about COVID-19 & SCD
For other questions regarding SCD and COVID-19, email us on info@aussicklecelladvocacy.org
Respiratory diseases
People living with SCD are susceptible to respiratory diseases including Acute chest syndrome. Please take precautions as per instructions from different government sources. Stay home and only go out if you absolutely need to.
Mental health support
For mental health support during covid-19 or nay other services, see this link.
State COVID-19 guidelines & updates
See the links below for the latest COVID-19 updates per state.
Letters to state leaders regarding COVID-19
Letters sent to State Premiers regarding COVID-19 and immunocompromised individuals, especially those living with Sickle Cell Disease.
- [Archived] Letter sent to WA premier 28/03/2020
- [Archived] Letter sent to QLD premier 28/03/2020
Australian Sickle Cell Advocacy Inc (ASCA) is a patient advocacy group supporting the rights of people living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) as they navigate the healthcare system in Australia. ASCA is a non-profit organisation started in 2014 and officially registered in October 2018. An advocacy group formed to fill the gap of highlighting the rising numbers of sickle cell disease in Australia. Although rare in some part of the world like Australia, sickle cell disease is affecting a lot of people.