NEW AD TARGETS YOUNG AUSTRALIANS IN COVID-19 RESPONSE

The Australian Government’s latest COVID-19 ad, launched today, delivers a blunt wake-up call to young people, that their actions can put the lives of their loved ones at risk.

 

The ‘How the virus spreads’ advertisement 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. 

 

The ad clearly demonstrates how fast COVID-19 can spread, often without people knowing it, while showing the severity of the virus, and how it can touch family and loved ones.

 

The ad’s message is for everyone – COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease that can quickly spread through everyday interactions and individual behaviours. This is particularly salient for young Australians who are catching COVID-19 more than any other age group.

 

The 20-29 year age group is most likely to contract the virus, with young women more so than young men. And though symptoms are often mild, young people can still be seriously impacted. They are not immune.

 

Previously cases of COVID-19 have been reported across all age groups. However there is now a shift to younger populations.

 

Cumulatively, people in the 20–29 years age group have the highest rate of COVID-19 infection (77.0 cases per 100,000 population).

 

This is followed by the 30–39 years age group (59.8 cases per 100,000 population) and then 60–69 years (56.5 cases per 100,000 population)

 

The ad is a reminder to them – and the rest of the community – to keep doing the essential things – wash your hands, keep your physical distance, get tested, stay home if you’re sick, download the COVIDSafe app and, in areas of high community transmission or where physical distancing is difficult, wear a mask.

 

The ad will start running this week across TV and radio, digital, social and out of home.