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
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.
Here are all the mutations in the Omicron variant and why they are scaring scientists
Article from businessinsider.co.za
It’s not yet clear whether the Omicron coronavirus variant is more transmissible, deadlier, or can evade existing vaccines.
Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash
How South African scientists spotted the Omicron Covid-19 variant
Article from iol.co.za
JOHANNESBURG – On Friday, November 19, Raquel Viana, Head of Science at one of South Africa’s biggest private testing labs, sequenced the genes on eight coronavirus samples – and got the shock of her life.
Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash
7 things we already know about the new Covid-19 variant
Article from iol.co.za
With the discovery of a new Covid-19 variant by South African scientists, which has caused mass panic around the globe leading to several countries imposing travel bans on South Africa and several southern African countries.
Photo by Marjan Blan | @marjanblan on Unsplash
Coronavirus (COVID-19) News
News from around the world
Local news
SA enters 4th wave: 7 provinces record sustained increases in new Covid-19 infections
Article from iol.co.za
DURBAN – Experts believe the country has officially entered the 4th wave of Covid-19.
Ballito Rage 2021 cancelled after 36 test positive for Covid-19
Article from iol.co.za
Durban – Ballito Rage organisers have cancelled the remainder of the event.
Omicron variant: I am expecting we will top over 10 000 cases by end of the week per day, says Prof Karim
Article from iol.co.za
South Africa has recorded a sharp increase in coronavirus cases, including among children under two years old, a top epidemiologist said on Monday.
International News
Travel bans questioned after European cases reveal community transmission of COVID-19 variant Omicron
Article from theglobeandmail.com
Growing evidence suggests that the new coronavirus variant Omicron has already begun to spread in the community in some European countries, making border closures ineffective and intensifying the demands for an end to travel bans.
Israeli doctor believes he caught Omicron variant of Covid in London
Article from theguardian.com
A doctor who was one of the first people in the world to become infected with the Omicron variant says he believes he caught the virus when he was in London for a major medical conference attended by more than 1,200 health professionals.
Dutch Had Omicron Cases a Week Before SA Announced Its Discovery
Article from ewn.co.za
THE HAGUE – Dutch health authorities said on Tuesday that the new COVID-19 variant was present in the Netherlands a week earlier than previously believed and checks are underway to see how far it has spread.
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.