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 | 34,335,515 | 28,438,183 | 615,247 |
| India | 29,617,058 | 28,345,261 | 377,061 |
| Brazil | 17,454,861 | 15,854,264 | 488,404 |
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.
Encouraging study shows Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine protective against variants, including Beta in SA
Article from news24.com
The Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech provides “very strong protection” against the original virus variant, as well as the newer variants, researchers of a recently published study found.
Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash
Up to 30% Covid patients in ICU have ‘brain involvement’, say doctors
Article from iol.co.za
Hyderabad – About 20-30 per cent of Covid patients in intensive care unit have some form of brain involvement, say leading neurologists.
Photo by Natasha Connell on Unsplash
CDC study finds coronavirus vaccines lead to milder disease in rare breakthrough infections
Article from edition.cnn.com
(CNN) – People who have been vaccinated against coronavirus, if they do become infected, have milder Covid-19 illness than unvaccinated people, a new US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study shows.
Photo by Hakan Nural on Unsplash
Coronavirus (COVID-19) News
News from around the world
Local news
Replacements for destroyed J&J shots to be delivered within two weeks
Article from businesslive.co.za
At least 2-million Johnson & Johnson (J&J) coronavirus vaccines will be delivered to SA within the next fortnight to replace those destroyed in the wake of the contamination scandal at a US plant providing ingredients, Aspen Pharmacare CEO Stephen Saad says.
Acting health minister hints tighter lockdown restrictions are on the cards
Article from timeslive.co.za
As Covid-19 cases continue to surge in the country, acting health minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said her department will make recommendations to the national command council this week.
Gauteng government: We are running out of ICU beds
Article from 702.co.za
Provincial spokesperson Thabo Masebe says public and private hospitals are almost at full capacity due to Covid-19 third wave.
International News
COVID-19: England lockdown easing delayed until 19 July as Delta variant cases rise
Article from news.sky.com
Boris Johnson has announced a four-week delay in lifting lockdown restrictions in England to 19 July amid rising cases of the Delta variant.
Vaccines and oxygen run out as third wave of Covid hits Uganda
Article from theguardian.com
Uganda has all but run out of Covid-19 vaccines and oxygen as the country grapples with another wave of the pandemic.
Business hours in Zimbabwe slashed in new lockdown
Article from businesslive.co.za
Harare — Zimbabwe’s government on Saturday slashed working hours for business and ordered companies to send 50% of their staff to work from home as part of new measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Prevention
What measures can we take to avoid being infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Wash your hands regularly
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.