Covid-19 in South Africa
The information about this pandemic is emerging and changing daily. To make sure we are fully informed on all the latest facts, we are monitoring all the latest developments, worldwide.
COVID-19 is an infection caused by a type of Coronavirus. This class of viruses usually originate from animals and spread to humans (a process called zoonotic infection). In the case of COVID-19, human-to-human spread has also been occurring. The primary means of spread seems to be saliva-droplet based spread. This is the same as the common cold and the seasonal flu.
COVID-19 seems to be more infectious than the seasonal flu with an infection rate of 2 to 3-times higher than the seasonal flu. At this point the data shows that most people who contract COVID-19 only experience mild symptoms and recover fully without major intervention. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
There is currently no vaccine or treatment to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to the virus.
Watch: President addresses the nation
Watch President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech on the Coronavirus pandemic and how South Africa will work to fight the spread of the disease.
The following precautions are recommended:
HANDWASHING:
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Particularly before meals and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also recommended as a suitable disinfectant
COUGHING AND SNEEZING:
- Ensure you and those around you practice good respiratory hygiene.
- Cover your mouth and nose at all times with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze
- If using a tissue, dispose of it immediately.
- Maintain at least a metre distance between yourself and anyone who may be coughing or sneezing.
HANDSHAKES:
- Whilst we know it’s in our culture to greet warmly, for the next while it may be better to avoid handshakes.
CLEAN SURFACES:
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household disinfectant cleaning spray or wipes.
PREGNANCY:
- There is currently no data to support that pregnant women are more vulnerable to the virus. Nonetheless we do recommend you take extra precaution if you are pregnant
TRAVELLING: If you are considering travel, or are currently traveling:
- Cancel non-essential travel to regions where community spread has been documented.
- If returning home from a high-risk region, we encourage self-imposed home quarantine.
- It is important to note that the SA Port Authorities may potentially soon be quarantining individuals who have arrived from a high-risk region.
- After any travel, or any potential risk exposure, be aware of any signs and symptoms developing within 14 days. Please contact us if you have any concerns regarding your symptoms.
CHILDREN:
- There is no data to support that children are more vulnerable to the virus. Most confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in China have occurred in adults, and the disease appears to be largely asymptomatic (meaning individuals do not experience any symptoms). Children have shown to only experience minor symptoms.
- It is however important that children be taught and comply with the guidelines to minimise the risk of infection.
