It has been just over a week since the first South African to have COVID-19 was diagnosed on our doorstep in Hilton, KZN Midlands by Dr Reed.
Basic information at a time when we all need to be calm and practical is imperative. There seems to be little more we can do but dose up on immune boosters, get enough sleep and stay as healthy as possible. To date, the best defence we have been offered is to employ social-distancing, sensible all-around hygiene and 20 second long handwashes interspersed with hand sanitiser in an attempt to delay the spread of COVID-19. In between handwashing do not touch your face.
More about social distancing, because there are cowboys out there who will flaunt the best advice because they assume they know better. Keep a 1,5m to 2m distance between yourself and other people as much as is practically possible. No hugging, kissing, shaking hands or any other skin to skin contact on greeting. Respect the cues from the people you meet, do not force any physical contact on them but instead thank them for honouring your space.
Travellers may have to face anything from self-isolation to institutional quarantines depending on where they are in the world.
Local Doctors have requested that if you fear you may be infected with the coronavirus, you should call the surgery to receive a consultation over the phone and do not physically consult your doctor. A visit to the surgery puts many people at risk unnecessarily.
Many local businesses have been proactive in placing hand sanitiser out for customers to use, but the responsibility is yours. When you head out think about the protective measures you can take and behave accordingly.
For any additional information please call the national NICD COVID-19 hotline on 0800 029 999.
Alternately WhatsApp 060 012 3456.
Resources:
http://www.nicd.ac.za/
