Following the announcement of the Western Cape’s first coronavirus case, the Western Cape Government has confirmed that the patient is in the City of Cape Town.
This comes after the National Institute of Communicable Diseases officially confirmed the case on March 11, 2020.
“The patient is a 36-year-old male in the City of Cape Town. He presented himself to a private healthcare facility with flu-like symptoms and a recent travel history to Europe. As per set procedures, medical professionals ensured that the person was kept in isolation for the last 48 hours (since March 9, 2020) until the laboratory tests could be confirmed. Our Outbreak Response team has been activated with health authorities (including the City of Cape Town), in association with NICD, and the team is following up all the known contacts of this patient,” said the Western Cape Government in a statement.
According to the statement, all contacts including those that were on the same flights as the patient will be monitored over the next two weeks as per the World Health Organisation guidelines.
Government is calling all residents in the Western Cape to play their role in limiting the spread of the virus.
“Firstly, it is important that we stay calm and follow the direction of the NICD, regarding testing and, if necessary, isolation. They are following international best-practise and have you, and your fellow residents, best interest at heart. Secondly, if you have flu-like symptoms and have travelled internationally or have been in contact with someone who has travelled internationally, you should call the dedicated Coronavrius Hotline, operated by the NICD, on 0800 029 999. Thirdly, we can help protect ourselves and our families, by practising good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the corner of your arm. More information on basic good hygiene practises can be found on our dedicated webpage: www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus,” said National Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhize.
Locals are reminded that the virus presents mildly and that the recovery rate is significantly high. It is important to follow good hygiene habits that prevent spreading while going about our daily lives.
According to IOL, during a tour of the Tygerberg Hospital that took place on March 11, it was revealed that three people are currently being quarantined for the virus at the hospital.
Amid concerns, South Africa Post Offices have also halted mail going in and out of Asia as planes are no longer flying in the area.
– The provincial landing page for coronavirus information: https://westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus
– Public Hotline: 0800 029 999
– WHO contact page: https://www.who.int/
Picture: Pixabay