The coronavirus has made its way to South Africa and many locals are panicking about what they should do to protect themselves from infection. If you’re one of those people here are some must-know tips to staying safe while the country fights back against the pandemic.
1. Don’t go to the doctor
Many people have a misconception that when they suspect they might have the virus, the first thing they should do is go to the doctor.
This couldn’t be further from the truth as visiting a doctor or busy hospital could actually spread the virus.
Instead those who feel they might be infected should quarantine themselves in a private area like their home and call the hotline below for help.
Coronavirus Hotline: 0800029999
Searches related to Cape Town coronavirus:
2. Be aware of how the virus spreads
The coronavirus or the COVID-19 mainly spreads via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
In addition, close contact can further spread the virus as well as touching an object or surface that has been in contact with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes without having washed your hands.
3. Good habits for preventing spread of the virus
No vaccines are currently available to prevent catching the virus, but there are habits that you can follow to reduce your chances of getting it.
Wash hands frequently, avoid touching things and yourself without immediately washing your hands afterwards. Avoid close contact with people who seem to be sick. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and ensure you safely discard your tissues when you use them.
If the virus becomes more widespread it will become good practice to avoid crowded places.
4. Know the symptoms
Patients who have tested positive for the coronavirus display symptoms of fever, headaches, a general feeling of discomfort or illness, a sore throat and prominent cough.
It is best to self-isolate when these symptoms appear.
5. Know which hospitals are handling coronavirus cases
In different provinces there have been different hospitals allocated to deal strictly with coronavirus cases. If you live in any province in South Africa, these are the dedicated hospitals that will be able to help if you test positive for the virus.
Western Cape:
– Tygerberg Hospital
Gauteng:
– Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital
– Steve Biko Academic Hospital
KwaZulu-Natal:
– Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg
Limpopo:
– Polokwane Hospital
Mpumalanga:
– Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela
Free State:
– Pelonomi Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein
North West:
– Klerksdorp Hospital
Northern Cape:
– Kimberley Hospital
Eastern Cape:
– Livingstone Hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay (PE)
6. Remain calm and beware of fake news
The media is flooded with fake news, real news and everything in between. Make sure you are getting your news on the virus from a reputable source and never panic about what you have heard in the media.
Currently there are a large number of false reports on the virus in different provinces across the country so make sure you are able to tell the real news from the fake. Don’t trust news from unverified sources, WhatsApp groups or Facebook groups. Make sure you get your news from proper publications and reputable news sources.
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