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South Africa is in a state of National Disaster as the COVID-19 virus spreads across our nation.

The world was devastatingly infected by a pneumonia outbreak in December 2019, this outbreak originated in Wuhan, China. On the 1st of March 2020 South Africa confirmed its first positive tested patient.

The time to work together is NOW, as South Africans it is our duty to stay up to date with the current state of our Nation.

• Nationwide Lockdown Midnight 26th March - Midnight 16th April

“Difficulties break some men but make others.”

- Late former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

We will be updating this article regularly to provide you with the most current and reliable information.

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that attack the respiratory system of humans, the known dangerous strains of Coronaviruses are MERS, SARS and COVID-19 - the virus currently affecting global human populations.

COVID-19 originated in Wuhan China late in 2019 and has since spread at a phenomenal rate. With the arrival of the new year, 2020, the world saw the COVID-19 virus rapidly consume its inhabitants, resulting in a global pandemic.

The virus attacks cells in our respiratory system, showing mildly in some cases and more severely in others, patients infected that are unable to fight the virus turn critical quickly, resulting in pneumonia and multiple organ failure.

The World Health Organisation along with local governing bodies have rallied to control the rapid transmission and we urge our readers to attentively follow their local government announcements and reputable news sources ONLY as there are an alarming amounts of fallible "facts" being spread.

• South African Government Official Announcements - Click Here
• World Health Organisation - Click Here

The virus is spread through close contact through respiratory droplets that are produced when we talk, cough or sneeze. Touching contaminated surfaces also spreads the virus, it is able to live on surfaces for up to 72 hours. The virus can remain dormant in an infected person for up to 14 days, this incubation period makes controlling its spread quite difficult.

We are all advised to not touch our faces, wash our hand regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoid physical contact and to stay home. If you have to head out into public keep a polite social distance of at least 1 meter.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Those infected with the COVID-19 virus will display flu like symptoms, although these symptoms can vary from patient to patient.

Common Symptoms:

• Runny Nose
• Sore Throat / Cough
• Fatigue
• Shortness of Breathe
• Fever

Seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing any of the below symptoms 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

Emergency Symptoms: (Seek medical attention immediately)

• Difficulty Breathing,
• Persistent Chest Pain / Pressure,
• Confusion
• Difficulty Waking
• Bluish Face / Lips

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU ARE INFECTED WITH COVID-19

If you suspect yourself or a loved one of being infected with COVID-19, isolate the suspected infected patient. Call your healthcare provider who will advise you on the steps you should take.

If you have any questions or concerns the South African Government has a hotline operating from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm.

• Coronavirus Hotline Number: 0800 029 999
• Coronavirus Whatsapp Number: 0600 123 456

Who Is Most At Risk

Although the world is showing a steady incline in recovery rates, some of us are less likely to recover from this epidemic.

• Elderly
• People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• People who have serious heart conditions
• People who are immunocompromised
  • Recovering from Cancer
  • Autoimmune deficiencies

What You Can Do To Stay Safe

As South Africa enters the enforced lockdown, there are a number of measures we can take to protect both ourselves and our venerable.

Stay Home - Only leave to purchase essentials or seek medical attention.

• When in public wear a mask.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth
• Wash your hands regularly (for 20secs minimum)
• Keep a 1 meter social distance from others
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing / coughing (with a tissue or your inner elbow)

When you do need to venture out of the house why not ring up someone you know who is unable to leave and do their own shopping. Don't forget to practice safe social distancing and sanitise everything you touch.

Help the Elderly/ Disabled:

• Pick up essentials for them when you head out for yours
• Wellfare checks (Via telephone)

PROTECTION FROM EXPOSURE

There are preventative measures you can take above and beyond regular hand washing, those heading out or those susceptible or compromised can wear official N95 masks and carry hand sanitiser for regular application.

The online market seems saturated with these supplies, with a small handful of suppliers increasing their prices. A local South African business has shifted their thinking and used their contacts abroad to supply South Africans with affordable N95 masks and other essential medical supplies.

• More Info: Click Here

As of midnight, the 26th March South African were forced into a lockdown. This means ALL South African residents are to remain in their homes unless they form part of the exempted (essential workers).

• Nationwide Lockdown Midnight 26th March - Midnight 16th April

The lockdown will be in place for 3 weeks. Those needing to resupply on food or essential good may do so under very strict regulations. The national armed forces were dispatched to help police remain in control during this unsettling period.

Find out more about the lockdown here:

• Lockdown - South Africa in Crisis

Emergency Numbers during COVID-19 Outbreak

The poster below is an official government poster. These are the correct numbers to call if you require any government services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• More Info: Website

WHERE TO FIND RELIABLE INFORMATION

South Africa please do not share misleading or false information. Always check the sources of the facts you want to share. The government are issuing fines to those sharing or spreading false information.

These are the reputable sources for all COVID-19 information and announcements.

• South African Government Official Announcements - Click Here
• World Health Organisation - Click Here

We urge you, our readers to abide by the rules set out by our government and remain indoors, practice safe hygiene and remain strong during this troubling time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you South Africa.

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