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 | 24,987,404 | 14,964,271 | 415,543 |
| India | 10,611,719 | 10,265,163 | 152,906 |
| Brazil | 8,639,868 | 7,564,622 | 212,893 |
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.
Big data can help doctors predict which COVID patients will become seriously ill
Article from medicalxpress.com
The pandemic continues to pose huge challenges to health services worldwide.
Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash
Almost 30% of Covid patients in England readmitted to hospital after discharge – study
Article from theguardian.com
Nearly a third of people who were discharged from hospitals in England after being treated for Covid-19 were readmitted within five months – and almost one in eight died, a study suggests.
Photo by Super Straho on Unsplash
Will vaccines work against the new COVID variants? Scientists race to find out
Article from bhekisisa.org
As South Africa awaits the arrival of its first shipment of COVID vaccines there are growing concerns about a new coronavirus variant — known as 501Y.V2 — circulating in the country, and what the changes in the virus could mean for how well the jabs work.
Photo by Sam Moqadam on Unsplash
Coronavirus (COVID-19) News
News from around the world
Local news
SANDF, SAPS To Guard Sites Where Covid-19 Vaccine Set To Be Administered
Article from ewn.co.za
JOHANNESBURG – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Services (SAPS) will be deployed to different sites where the COVID-19 vaccine is set to be administered across the country.
Ramaphosa insists money will be available for Covid-19 vaccines
Article from iol.co.za
Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has insisted that there will be funds available for the procurement of vaccines once they start arriving in the country.
SA to get 9 million Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccine shots
Article from iol.co.za
Johannesburg – South Africa, which has yet to receive its first coronavirus vaccine doses, will be getting 9 million from Johnson & Johnson, the health ministry said on Monday.
International news
UK coronavirus strain detected in at least 60 countries – WHO
Article from citizen.co.za
The South African strain, which like the UK one is believed to be more infectious, has now been reported in 23 countries and territories, the WHO also announced in its weekly update.
COVID-19: UK records 1,610 more coronavirus deaths – highest on single day since outbreak began
Article from news.sky.com
A further 1,610 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 – the highest number of UK deaths on a single day since the outbreak began.
Hospitals in Japan close to collapse as serious Covid cases soar
Article from theguardian.com
Hospitals in Covid-hit regions of Japan are on the brink of collapse, medical experts have warned, as the country battles a third wave of infections that has caused record numbers of people to fall seriously ill.
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.