Trying to find accurate Coronavirus information for South Africa is quite difficult. This article aims to collate all the information floating out there to assist you in lowering your risks of contracting the coronavirus and what you should do if you think that you have the coronavirus
Symptoms of COVID-19
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
These are difficult symptoms to identify as the Coronavirus because they closely resemble the symptoms of the flu.
You should only get tested if you have symptoms and have also done one of the following, says the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD):
• Been in contact with someone who has Covid-19
• Have travelled to a country where you have a high risk of getting infected? The NICD currently lists the following countries as high risk: China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Italy and Iran but this list is updated regularly. For the most recent information, go here
• Have worked in or been to a healthcare facility treating people with Covid-19
• Have a severe case of pneumonia with an unknown cause
Where should you go for a test?
If you think you might have contracted the virus, you should call the NICD helpline on 0800 029 999. They will advise you where the closest public or private facility is for you to go for a test and how to access the facility.
What happens if I test positive for Covid-19?
Anyone who tests positive will be put in isolation at one of the hospitals designated to respond to the outbreak. You’ll remain there until tests show you no longer have the virus.
The NICD will then trace people who have been in close contact with the confirmed case. Anyone who could have come in contact with the patient in the week before they began to feel sick will be self-quarantined at home for 14 days. This group includes everyone from family to health workers who may have seen them. The NICD will closely monitor them for any of the symptoms of Covid-19.
Although the gloom of the coronavirus hangs over South Africa as we try and contain the spread, it is great to see companies and people banding together to try and combat the spread of COVID-19
