COVID-19 FAQ

We are surrounded by social media hype and fake news around COVID-19. This page attempts to reference research to inform our decisions.

GENERAL ADVICE

What is the novel Coronavirus?

Listen to this video from the World Health Organisation to get basic background information about the virus. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOV1aBVYKGA&feature=youtu.be

What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

*This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

What are the emergency signs?

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Who is at higher risk of getting the virus? 

Those at higher risk of contracting the virus include the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions or a compromised immune system. Chronic conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and lung disease amongst others.

Reference:  https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq

Which everyday preventive actions should I take if I am healthy? 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean your hands often.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
• If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
• Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
• Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
• Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)
• Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.
• Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

Listen to the World Health Organisation's advice via the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1APwq1df6Mw

TRAVEL ADVICE

South africa

What is the travel advice from the South African Government?

• We are imposing a travel ban on foreign nationals from high-risk countries such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and China as from 18 March 2020.
• We have cancelled visas to visitors from those countries from today and previously granted visas are hereby revoked.
• South African citizens are advised to refrain from all forms of travel to or through the European Union, United States, United Kingdom and other identified high-risk countries such as China, Iran and South Korea.
• Any foreign national who has visited high-risk countries in the past 20 days will be denied a visa.
• South African citizens returning from high-risk countries will be subjected to testing and self-isolation or quarantine on return to South Africa.
• Travellers from medium-risk countries - such as Portugal, Hong Kong and Singapore - will be required to undergo high intensity screening.
• All travellers who have entered South Africa from high-risk countries since mid-February will be required to present themselves for testing.

What should I do if I have recently returned from a country with widespread transmission of the virus? 

• Self-monitor for any symptom onset such as fever, cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing. If any should arise, seek medical attention.
• Otherwise practice adequate hygiene and be aware of possible asymptomatic transmission.

Reference: Travel advice by the Department of Health (17 March 2020).

Updates:

South Africa has extended its travel ban to Switzerland and France, now making for ten countries from which travellers to SA are not welcome.

The travel regulations intended to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, under a state of disaster that came into force this week, also limit charter flights to airports with the ability to conduct health screenings.

Those airports are:

• Bram Fischer (Bloemfontein)
• Cape Town
• King Shaka (Durban)
• Kruger Mpumalanga
• Lanseria (Johannesburg)
• OR Tambo (Johannesburg)
• Pilanesberg
• Polokwane
• Port Elizabeth
• Upington

Cargo flights remain permitted, but airplane crew from high-risk countries are subject to 21 days or quarantine.

Reference:https://www.businessinsider.co.za/the-list-of-countries-with-travel-banned-to-south-africa-2020-3

Key points

• Travelers should avoid all nonessential travel to countries affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Chinese officials have closed transport within and out of Wuhan and other areas in Hubei Province, including buses, subways, trains, and the international airport.
• Preliminary information suggests that older adults and people with underlying health conditions may be at increased risk for severe disease from this virus.
• The situation is evolving. This notice will be updated as more information becomes available.

What is the current situation?

• No travel ban to affected countries
• South Africa is not recommending any ban for travelling to China or other countries affected by COVID-19.
• Based on the currently available information before us, we are satisfied that the Chinese health authorities are doing everything in their power to contain the spread the disease. On such matters, we are guided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Health Regulations (2005).
• However it is recommended that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to countries affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
• There may be limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas.

Reference: http://www.energy.gov.za/files/docs/Travel-Advice-COVID-19.pdf

What can travelers do to protect themselves and others?

If you must travel:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available.
• Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to affected countries with their healthcare provider.

If you traveled to an affected country in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:

• Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available.

Reference: http://www.energy.gov.za/files/docs/Travel-Advice-COVID-19.pdf

Netherlands

Netherlands implements travel ban

In response to the European Union’s COVID-19-related travel ban, The Netherlands closed its borders to all foreign nationals with tourist visas from March 19 until April 19.

The travel ban excludes EU citizens, members of their families, nationals with residence permits and holders of a long-stay visa.

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/netherlands-explains-travel-ban-for-foreign-travelers/

MEDICAL ADVICE

What are the advice around testing for COVID-19?

I have flu-like symptoms, should I get tested? (SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIFIC INFORMATION)

The symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or fever. However, these are also symptoms of the flu.

The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) recommends that you should only get tested if you display symptoms plus:

• Been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 person;
• Travelled to a high risk country;
• Worked in or been to a healthcare facility treating people with Covid-19;
• Have a severe case of pneumonia with an unknown cause.
• However, one should consult your medical practitioner immediately if you display symptoms.

Where should I go if I want to test for COVID-19? (SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIFIC INFORMATION)

If you think you might have contracted the virus, you can call the NICD helpline (0800 029 999) and you will be advised on possible testing facilities. However, testing is not routinely done unless testing is indicated by a health professional therefore one would need to be assessed by your medical practitioner in order to qualify for testing.

What happens if I test positive? (SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIFIC INFORMATION)

Anyone who tests positive will immediately be notified and put into quarantine at home or at a facility designated to manage the outbreak. You will then remain in quarantine until repeat testing shows you no longer have the virus.

How much does the test cost? (SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIFIC INFORMATION)

Public sector testing is free of charge. Private laboratories such as Lancet, Ampath and Pathcare can also test for SARS-CoV-2. Enquiry should be with the respective laboratory for their costing of the test. If going via a private lab, it is advisable to check with your medical aid to ascertain if they will cover the costs for the test.

How is COVID-19 infection treated? (SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIFIC INFORMATION)

There is no specific treatment available for SARS-CoV-2. Treatment is supportive (e.g. providing oxygen for patients with shortness of breath or managing a fever). Antibiotics do not treat viral infections. However, antibiotics may be required if a secondary bacterial infection develops. Currently there is a vaccine being developed. 

Reference: https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq

SELF ISOLATE ADVICE

How do I decide to self isolate?

Can I go to school or work? 

Anyone who is sick or displaying symptoms should not go to school or work. If you have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, you should self-isolate for 14 days from the date of close contact. If you are concerned, contact your medical practitioner for further advice.

Reference: https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq

Tips for self-isolation

Reference: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/

Staying at home means you should:

• not go to work, school or public areas
• not use public transport or taxis
• not have visitors, such as friends and family, in your home
• not go out to buy food or collect medicine – order them by phone or online, or ask someone else to drop them off at your home

You can use your garden, if you have one. You can also leave the house to exercise – but stay at least 2 metres away from other people.

If you have symptoms and live with a vulnerable person

If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to arrange for them to stay with friends or family for 14 days.

If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.

Reducing the spread of infection in your home

While you're staying at home, you should:

• wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
• clean objects and surfaces you touch often (like door handles, kettles and phones) using your regular cleaning products

Looking after your health and wellbeing

To help yourself stay well while you're at home:

• drink plenty of water to stay hydrated – drink enough so your pee is pale and clear
• take paracetamol to help ease your symptoms
• stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media, to help you avoid feeling low or lonely
• try to keep yourself busy – you could try activities like cooking, reading, online learning and watching films
• do light exercise, if you feel well enough to

Read advice about mental health and wellbeing: [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/] and see the page on easy exercises for some exercises you can do at home [https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/easy-low-impact-exercises/

SELF ISOLATE (WITH COVID) ADVICE

What should I do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 if I am sick (Self-isolate with COVID-19)?

If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have it, follow the steps below to help protect other people in your home and community.

Stay home except to get medical care

• People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

• If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
• If the person who is sick is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live in the home should stay in a different room. When caregivers enter the room of the sick person, they should wear a facemask. Visitors, other than caregivers, are not recommended.

Cover your coughs and sneezes

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid sharing personal household items

Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home and wahs them thoroughly with soap and water or put in the dishwasher.

Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday

High-touch surfaces include phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.

Monitor your symptoms

• Seek medical attention, but call first: Seek medical care right away if your illness is worsening (for example, if you have difficulty breathing).
• Wear a facemask: If possible, put on a facemask before you enter the building. If you can’t put on a facemask, try to keep a safe distance from other people (at least 6 feet away). This will help protect the people in the office or waiting room.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

RECOVERY ADVICE

When can I discontinue self isolation?

People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:

If you will not have a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers) AND
• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
• AND at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared

If you will be tested to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:

• You no longer have a fever (without the use medicine that reduces fevers)
• AND other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
• AND you received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines.

Referene: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

GO TO WORK ADVICE

How do I keep myself safe if I have to go to work?

In GENERAL, take these preventive actions when you are healthy and need to go to work:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Clean your hands often.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
• If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
• Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
• Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
• Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.
• Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

KEEP MY BUSINESS OPEN ADVICE

How do I keep my business open whilst practicing social distancing?

What are my options for organising meetings?

Reference: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/getting-workplace-ready-for-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=359a81e7_6

BEFORE meetings

• Check the advice from the authorities in the community where you plan to hold the meeting or event.
• Consider whether a face-to-face meeting or event is needed. Could it be replaced by a teleconference or online event or could the meeting or event be scaled down so that fewer people attend?
• Pre-order sufficient supplies and materials, including tissues and hand sanitizer for all participants.
• Have surgical masks available to offer anyone who develops respiratory symptoms.
• Advise participants in advance that if they have any symptoms or feel unwell, they should not attend.
• Make sure all organizers, participants, caterers and visitors at the event provide contact details: mobile telephone number, email and address where they are staying.
• Develop and agree a response plan in case someone at the meeting becomes ill with symptoms of COVID-19 (dry cough, fever, malaise).
• Identify a room or area where someone who is feeling unwell or has symptoms can be safely isolated
• Have a plan for how they can be safely transferred from there to a health facility.

DURING meetings

• Display dispensers of alcohol-based hand rub prominently around the venue.
• If there is space, arrange seats so that participants are at least one meter apart.
• Open windows and doors whenever possible to make sure the venue is well ventilated.
• If anyone who starts to feel unwell, depending on the situation in your area, or recent travel of the participant, place the person in the isolation room. Offer the person a mask so they can get home safely, if appropriate, or to a designated assessment facility.

AFTER meetings

• Retain the names and contact details of all participants for at least one month. This will help public health authorities trace people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 if one or more participants become ill shortly after the event.
• If someone at the meeting or event was isolated as a suspected COVID-19 case, the organizer should let all participants know this. They should be advised to monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days.
• If they develop even a mild cough or low-grade fever (i.e. a temperature of 37.3 C or more) they should stay at home and self-isolate.

What is the advice for employers around travelling?

FINANCIAL SUPPORT ADVICE ADVICE

The South African government is about to launch a portal for SME's to apply for financial relief.

http://www.smmesa.gov.za/

COMPANY TRAVEL ADVICE

Reference: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/getting-workplace-ready-for-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=359a81e7_6

BEFORE travelling

• Make sure your organization and its employees have the latest information on areas where COVID-19 is spreading. You can find this at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/
• Based on the latest information, your organization should assess the benefits and risks related to upcoming travel plans.
• Avoid sending employees who may be at higher risk of serious illness (e.g. older employees and those with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease) to areas where COVID-19 is spreading.
• Make sure all persons travelling to locations reporting COVID-19 are briefed by a qualified professional (e.g. staff health services, health care provider or local public health partner)
• Consider issuing employees who are about to travel with small bottles (under 100 CL) of alcohol-based hand rub. This can facilitate regular hand-washing.

DURING travelling

• Encourage employees to wash their hands regularly and stay at least one meter away from people who are coughing or sneezing.
• Ensure employees know what to do and who to contact if they feel ill while traveling.
• Ensure that your employees comply with instructions from local authorities where they are traveling. If, for example, they are told by local authorities not to go somewhere they should comply with this.
• Your employees should comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings.

AFTER travelling

• Employees who have returned from an area where COVID-19 is spreading should monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days and take their temperature twice a day.
• If they develop even a mild cough or low grade fever (i.e. a temperature of 37.3 C or more) they should stay at home and self-isolate. This means avoiding close contact (one meter or nearer) with other people, including family members.
• They should also telephone their local healthcare provider or the local public health department, giving them details of their recent travel and symptoms.

SOCIAL DISTANCING ADVICE

What is social distancing?

While it may be disappointing to hear that so many sports events, cruises, festivals and other gatherings are being cancelled, there is a public health reason for these measures.

These cancellations help stop or slow down the spread of disease allowing the health care system to more readily care for patients over time.

Cancelling events that are likely to draw crowds is an example of social distancing.

Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching COVID-19.

Examples of social distancing that allow you to avoid larger crowds or crowded spaces are:

• Working from home instead of at the office
• Closing schools or switching to online classes
• Visiting loved ones by electronic devices instead of in person
• Cancelling or postponing conferences and large meetings

Reference: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-social-distancing-and-self-quarantine

STOCK UP ON RESERVES ADVICE

What do I need to do when I stock up on reserves?

Have supplies on hand

• Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
• If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
• Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
• Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/get-ready.html