Keeping you informed on COVID-19, otherwise known as the novel coronavirus.
As you will no doubt be aware, there is currently an outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which is raising global concern as it continues to spread across the world. This site has been created to keep you up to date with the latest information and breaking news regarding the virus, its spread and what steps to take for prevention and treatment.
Breaking COVID-19 news
South Africa
Global
| Country | Confirmed | Recovered | Death |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 14,021,185 | 8,275,831 | 275,791 |
| India | 9,495,661 | 8,926,950 | 138,090 |
| Brazil | 6,344,345 | 5,601,804 | 173,229 |
The data sources include the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, and the DXY, one of the world’s largest online communities for physicians, health care professionals, pharmacies and facilities.
COVID-19 Information
Everything you need to know about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
No conclusive links shown for COVID-19 case transmission in face-to-face teaching
Article from medicalxpress.com
Analysis of data from the University of Reading’s case management system shows that COVID-19 infection is dominated by transmission between students through household and social contacts, and that face-to-face teaching presents minimal risk of transmission.
Photo by Alexandr Podvalny on Unsplash
Major measles outbreak predicted to occur in 2021 in wake of Covid-19 pandemic
Article from news24.com
Measles, a highly contagious respiratory disease, claimed over 207 500 lives in 2019, according to the World Health Organization – a 50% increase from 2016.
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine to undergo new global trial
Article from theguardian.com
Global airline lobby IATA is working on a mobile app that will help travelers demonstrate their coronavirus-free status, joining a push to introduce so-called Covid passports to speed up the revival of international travel.
Photo by delfi de la Rua on Unsplash
Coronavirus (COVID-19) News
News from around the world
Local news
Covid-19: Winde investigating ‘mini-lockdowns’ for Western Cape, but it’s the ‘last thing we want’
Article from news24.com
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde is investigating whether the “blunt instrument” of mini-lockdowns in the province might be needed to stop the rising numbers of new Covid-19 cases.
WC Health Dept Sees Hospitals Under Pressure As Covid-19 Infections Rise
Article from ewn.co.za
CAPE TOWN – Over the past week, there were more than 6,400 new infections.
‘No-one wears a mask and social distancing is a joke’: PE sees Covid infection rate rise
Article from timeslive.co.za
Motherwell didn’t look like a Covid-19 hotspot on Friday night as throngs of revellers — most of them without masks — packed taverns and bars.
International news
Covid-19: Two vaccines could be available in US before Christmas
Article from news24.com
The first two vaccines against the novel coronavirus could be available to Americans before Christmas, Health Secretary Alex Azar said on Monday, after Moderna Inc became the second vaccine maker likely to receive US emergency authorisation.
Covid-19 wrap: Global cases cross 62.47m, fourth wave hits Hong Kong and Sri Lankan prisoners riot
Article from news24.com
More than 62.47 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1 456 448 have died, according to a Reuters tally.
Officials worry about hospital capacity as US hits record number of Covid-19 patients hospitalized
Article from edition.cnn.com
(CNN) – As the crush of incoming Covid-19 patients continues to strain hospitals across the US, officials across several states are worried their hospitals will be overwhelmed as the holiday season approaches.
Prevention
What measures can we take to avoid being infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Wash your hands reguarly
Wash your hands often and well with water and soap or other disinfectants, especially after coughing and sneezing, using toilets, before handling or preparing food, and after contact with sick people.
Avoid contact
Avoid contact with infected people and use face masks if visiting sick relatives.
Don't touch your face
Avoid touching your eyes, and/or nose as much as possible.
Cover your mouth and nose
Use a tissue when sneezing or coughing and then get rid of the tissue in a bin. Always wash your hands afterwards. If there is no tissue it is advisable to cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, and not your hands.
Keep clean
Maintain good hygiene habits and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Social distancing
Keep a distance of 1.75m from other people. Avoid congregating in public areas.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about the coronavirus (COVID-19), which we hope will put your mind at rest.
What are the most common signs and symptoms of the coronavirus?
Symptoms may appear in as little as two days, or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms of infection may include coughing, fever, congestion of the nose and throat and shortness of breath.
How exactly is this coronavirus, and are we as South Africans at risk?
Coronaviruses belong to a large family of viruses that include the MERS and SARS viruses, and can cause a wide spectrum of respiratory illnesses. Although the virus is contagious and may be potentially life threatening in a few people, the risk of contracting it in South Africa is currently low, with no cases having been confirmed in this country at this time.
What should you do if you develop signs and symptoms?
If you do develop respiratory illness symptoms, visit your healthcare provider and ensure that you disclose your full travel history to them. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should be tested for the novel coronavirus.
Should you use a mask?
If you are healthy, you need to wear a mask if you are in public, taking care of a person with suspected coronavirus infection, or if you are coughing and/or sneezing. Remember that masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub, or soap and water. If you do wear a mask, make sure you know how to use it and always dispose of it properly.
How is the virus spread?
The coronavirus is spread in a similar way to influenza (flu) viruses, which is through: The COVID-19 virus is spread in a similar way to influenza (flu) viruses, which is through:
• Direct contact with other infected people.
• Droplets generated through coughs or sneezes.
• Contact with infected surfaces such as tabletops and shared objects like utensils etc.
• Faecal-oral contact.
Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (COVID-19)?
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus. Those infected with the virus should nevertheless receive appropriate medical care to according to their symptoms.
Some specific treatments are under investigation and will be tested through clinical trials. The World Health Organization (WHO) is helping to accelerate research in this area.
Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus (COVID-19)?
No, vaccines against flu and/or pneumonia, such as a pneumococcal vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.
What should you keep in mind when travelling internationally?
All individuals planning travel should seek advice on the potential hazards of their chosen destinations and understand how best to minimise the risk of acquiring infectious illnesses such as the coronavirus.
Should you develop symptoms of an acute respiratory illness before, during or after travel, you are encouraged to seek medical attention and share your travel history with your healthcare provider.
Can pets at home spread the new coronavirus (COVID-19)?
At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets, such as dogs or cats, can be infected with the new coronavirus.
Is it safe to receive a letter or a package from China?
Yes, it is safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus. From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.