Polio survivors have noted striking similarities between the series of 20th-century epidemics and today's coronavirus — two very infectious diseases that changed the world.
During the height of the polio epidemic in parts of Australia, state borders, schools, pools, and theatres closed, and travel restrictions and quarantine measures were introduced.
Newspapers published daily case numbers and deaths.
Sound familiar?
Gillian Thomas, president of Polio Australia, said the coronavirus crisis brought back memories for many survivors of poliomyelitis.
Known as 'the silent epidemic', the highly infectious viral disease struck people out of nowhere and moved silently throughout the community.