What is the Coronavirus and which Preventative Measures can we take?

By now most people are aware of the Coronavirus that has been identified in China and the impact it has had globally. So far, no cases have been reported in South Africa, but below is relevant information to keep you and your family safe and healthy.

The Coronavirus is a group of viruses that can cause a range of symptoms. These can be as mild as a runny nose, a cough, a sore throat or as severe as fever or pneumonia.

There are preventative actions that can help curb the spread of all respiratory viruses, including the Coronavirus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. This is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself from infection.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm, or into a tissue, then throw the tissue in a rubbish bin.
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.
• If you are in an office environment, these steps are even more important.

If you suspect that you or any of your family members may have contracted the virus you should immediately consult your healthcare practitioner for assistance.

The South African National Department of Health continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving developments surrounding the Coronavirus outbreak.

Visit the website of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases at http://www.nicd.ac.za/ for up-to-date alerts of the Coronavirus outbreak.