Sporting stars unite to tackle Covid and the flu season

With the 2022 season ramping up, some of Australia’s most well-known athletes are calling on fans to put their support behind the little things they can do to help beat the flu and Covid-19 this winter.

Paul Gallen, Isaac Heeney, Ruan Sims, Wade Graham, Poppy Olsen and Mitchell Moses are among a lineup of top athletes who have joined forces with the NSW Government as part of the Department of Customer Service’ Little Things campaign to encourage everyone to support their club and protect each other by keeping up with Covid-safe behaviours.

Department of Customer Service Deputy Secretary of Customer, Delivery and Transformation William Murphy said it was important everyone played their part to ensure everyone could enjoy community sport this winter.

“No matter what sport you play or team you love, we need to do the little things that protect ourselves, our teammates and importantly those fans who may be at higher risk of serious illness,” Mr Murphy said.

“Everyone is likely to have a family member, friend or fellow supporter who might be at higher risk of severe disease. By continuing to do the little things people can help keep loved ones, the local community and themselves well this winter.”

NSW Health has said Covid-19 case transmission in the community has remained high across the State while the flu is also having an impact on people of all age groups, particularly the very young.

Little things like ensuring vaccinations are up to date, staying home if sick and wearing a mask in crowded places all help reduce the spread and the chance of ending up in hospital from severe disease. This is particularly important during the higher-risk winter months.

If someone has Covid-19 symptoms, they should take a test and if it is positive make sure they isolate for seven days and follow the health advice. If people are well and watching a game indoors with mates, they should open a door or window to increase ventilation.

The Little Things campaign was developed by the Department of Customer Service, driven by customer insights data, and features imagery showcasing a basketball game on a face mask, skaters on Covid-19 rapid antigen tests and someone staying at home isolating in a tissue box.

The campaign reminds people that small actions can make a big difference to the health of others, such as wearing a mask in crowded places, staying home when they feel unwell, getting together where there’s fresh air and keeping up to date with both Covid-19 and flu vaccinations.

For more information visit nsw.gov.au.