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 | 33,695,916 | 27,098,620 | 599,863 |
| India | 24,684,077 | 20,795,335 | 270,319 |
| Brazil | 15,590,613 | 14,062,396 | 434,852 |
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.
Wearing two masks almost doubles protection against Covid-19, new study finds
Article from news24.com
New research has established that wearing two face masks can almost double the effectiveness of filtering out SARS-CoV-2 particles, preventing them from reaching the nose and mouth, and potentially casuing Covi-19.
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
COVID-19 Vaccines Are Still Effective Amid Rising Number of Variants
Article from healthline.com
With so many news headlines focusing on the variants and their potential to prolong the pandemic, it’s no wonder that people have become increasingly concerned that the vaccines won’t work as well against mutations.
Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash
How rare is very rare? Your questions about blood clots – answered
Article from bhekisisa.org
On 17 May, South Africa will start to roll out COVID jabs to people over the age of 60, as well as the 700 000 health workers not covered by the country’s vaccine implementation study, the Sisonke trial. Health workers are covered by the study because they’re the most likely group to get infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as they deal with infected patients. Older people, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to falling severely ill with COVID, or die of the disease, than younger people, which is why they’re the next group that’s getting prioritised.
Photo by Emin BAYCAN on Unsplash
Coronavirus (COVID-19) News
News from around the world
Local news
Billionaire offers R3bn to help SA develop vaccines
Article from timeslive.co.za
While the Western Cape is facing a resurgence of cases, the province may still be able to hold off a third wave if public behaviour drastically changes.
Western Cape Covid-19 spike driven by social gatherings, health officials say
Article from news24.com
While the Western Cape is facing a resurgence of cases, the province may still be able to hold off a third wave if public behaviour drastically changes.
New variants will spread fast so don’t be complacent: Prof Abdool Karim
Article from timeslive.co.za
The Covid-19 variants detected in SA could spread “quite quickly” and no-one should become complacent, Prof Salim Abdool Karim warned on Tuesday.
International News
Red Cross warns that coronavirus cases are exploding in Asia
Article from medicalxpress.com
Coronavirus cases are exploding in Asia and the Pacific with over 5.9 million new confirmed infections in the past two weeks, more than in all other regions combined, the International Federation of the Red Cross said Wednesday.
People vaccinated against Covid-19 can go without masks indoors and outdoors, CDC says
Article from edition.cnn.com
People fully vaccinated against Covid-19 do not need to wear masks or practice social distancing indoors or outdoors, except under certain circumstances, the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday.
Coronavirus variant found in India may spread faster than type detected in Kent
Article from theguardian.com
Evidence is growing that a troubling variant of the coronavirus discovered in India is more transmissible than the variant first detected in Kent and which fuelled the UK’s second wave of infections and spread around the world.
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.