The pandemic has seen us locked down in our homes, learn how to move around with physical distancing rules in place, and begin to wear masks when we leave our homes. It’s been a confusing time with daily press briefings from federal and state governments in Australia. We are all searching for the answers, and many have turned to Google for them.
So, what are states and territories across the country wanting to know in their Google searches?
The Feed checked in with Google to gather details on the top coronavirus related searches over the past two weeks from each state.
These were the most searched terms in each state compared with the national average over the same period, which shows what individual states might prioritise over and above what people are searching for on a national level.
When will borders open Bangladesh?
That’s one of the top searches in the Northern Territory.
The answer -- not anytime soon.
, on 26 July, with strict guidelines to travellers on arrival, which includes a COVID-19 test that was administered at least four days prior to travel and medical certificate within 72 hours of arrival.
However, at present, Australian residents and citizens aren't able to travel overseas.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg hinted last Thursday that it wouldn’t be until the beginning of next year that international travel seems likely, saying “In terms of the borders, the assumptions are that it very gradually starts to come back…that the quarantine is applied, and you start potentially bringing in some international students.”
Why are people in the Northern Territory searching about Bangladesh?
Well, according to the , in 2011, Bangladesh was listed as one of the top ten fastest growing overseas birthplaces for residents in the Northern Territory, and Bengali was a fast growing language.
Bangladesh is a Muslim country. Eid al-Adha, held on 31 July, is a significant day in the Muslim calendar and many travel home for it. Of course, border closures make the trip home impossible this year.
How many coronavirus deaths have there been in Greece?
Searching about home isn’t only happening in the Northern Territory, it’s happening in Victoria too. This was the fourth most popular Google search over the last fortnight in Victoria.
Almost half of Australians are either born overseas, or have at least one parent who was born abroad. And with Melbourne home to the largest Greek population outside of Greece and Cyprus, it’s understandable people are looking for information about how their ancestral homes are doing.
Which aged care facilities have coronavirus in Melbourne?
This was a burning question in Victoria, given the current outbreak. It ranked second in searches in the state over the last two weeks.
And the answer: a large proportion. In Victoria homes have been impacted by transmission of COVID-19.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Wednesday there were 804 cases connected to the aged care sector. The state government has already begun the process of transferring aged care residents into public and private hospitals.
Are Victorians going interstate?
This was the sixth most popular search term on Google in Western Australia.
All states have placed border restrictions on travel from declared hotspots, which includes Victoria, with many stipulating only Essential Travellers are permitted entry, and there are quarantine measures in place for those who do.
Western Australia closed its borders early and has enjoyed an almost back-to-normal experience, maintaining a rigid stance on border closure.
WA is home to many remote Indigenous communities, and reopening the border has been considered to be potentially catastrophic for these populations if the virus were to reach them. on who can enter remote Aboriginal communities, during the pandemic with fines up to $50,000 for any breaches.
Critics of what has colloquially been called ‘Mark McGowan’s Iron-ore curtain’ say the border closure harms the state’s economy.
"Each day without interstate visitors, Western Australia loses 42 jobs," Tourism Council boss Evan Hall in June.
Hall isn’t alone. The Chambers of Commerce and Industry chief executive Chris Rodwell has raised similar concerns.
"We just need that clarity on what the conditions are, what the rules are, because at the moment it's more art than science.”
And one of the more outspoken voices is mining magnate Clive Palmer, who was refused entry to the state and is taking the state to Federal Court over the closure.
According to the Commonwealth will provide evidence in Mr Palmer’s legal case, with Attorney-General Christian Porter noting Victoria is the only remaining state with significant community transmission of COVID-19.
And it seems that some West Australians are feeling severed from the world, with “Will I ever get to travel again?” and “What if we never get a vaccine?” featuring high on the list of most-searched terms.
Western Australia seems preoccupied with keeping the virus out but expressed fascination in how other countries were faring, such as Singapore and the US -- other top searches.
When should I get tested for coronavirus NSW?
This was the fourth most searched term in NSW.
And the answer is: you should get tested, regardless of where you are in Australia, if you have the following symptoms: fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of sense of smell or taste.
The top search term in NSW was ‘How long will it take to receive COVID-19 test results?”
The detailed in their frequently asked question page that it will take anywhere between 24 to 72 hours to get back your test results, they will be sent through a text message on your phone.
Is coronavirus red?
In perhaps the most surprising reveal, the top question of concern to Queenslanders according to Google searches, was, ‘Is coronavirus red?’
Many of the images selected to represent the virus COVID-19 in media reports have been red, or brightly coloured.
Simon Weaving, a senior lecturer at the University of Newcastle, that the virus isn’t technically red, and that our perception of colour is dependent on the presence of light. However as objects become more minute, light no longer assists with seeing. This is why under a microscope; bacteria and viruses look colourless and grey.
Dr Weaving suggests not portraying the virus in its dull grey form does not make emotive media content, but that doing so could be valuable. He speculates that stripping the coronavirus of arbitrarily selected vibrant colour could reduce community fear and misinformation – something the when it comes to the coronavirus.
Coronavirus is not red, but appears grey under a microscope. Source: CDC/PHIL/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images
Could coronavirus be fatal for anyone who has asbestosis?
This was the seventh most searched term in Queensland. And the short answer is yes.
Asbestosis causes scarring to the lungs. The that COVID-19 can then cause additional harm to an already compromised system.
Advice for people at risk, including people with long-term conditions like , is to exercise extreme caution and prepare themselves with resources and information to protect their personal safety.
Can a doctor refuse to see you face to face?
That was the top search term in South Australia.
It's a complex question.
There are many factors to consider, including whether it is an emergency, is another medical professional who is available or better suited, or if a patient has become ‘untreatable.’ GPs provide instruction not to come into clinics if you have COVID-19 symptoms, but there is an option to be consulted via telehealth.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health told The Feed that doctors are free to decide how they structure their patient care models, including decisions about whether to treat patients face-to-face or by telehealth.
“While the Government cannot compel doctors to provide face-to-face consultations, it is important for patients to raise any issues directly with their GP or practice, so that the medical practitioner is aware of their concerns and can adapt their care to their patient’s needs.”
What should I do if I have questions?
Many of the states asked questions regarding facts and figures about death tolls and virus tallies, both in Australia and around the world.
The website has comprehensive data on a range of things, including how Australia compares with the rest of the world, deaths by age and sex, and COVID-19 cases in aged care homes.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus
