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Stay strong. Stay

healthy. And be
”
part of the solution
by supporting your
community and
complying with
”
the Government’s
restrictions.

people cough or sneeze. It may also
be transmitted by touching a surface
where the virus is active, such
as handrails, door handles, work
surfaces etc.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
There is no known vaccine or
specific antiviral treatment for the
Coronavirus, so it’s vitally important
that you should avoid becoming
infected. At this stage, treatment is
merely a matter of trying to reduce
the effects of the symptoms.

• Avoid close contact with people
suffering from acute respiratory
infections.
• Avoid using public transport.
• Avoid any kind of long distance • Wash your hands frequently and of contracting the Coronavirus from
travel, especially to high-risk regions thoroughly for 20 seconds each time. other out-patients, while waiting to
locally or to other countries. • Sanitise all work surfaces and items be tested. Instead, the government
• When away from home, keep that you may touch frequently. has advised that you should call the
to the 1 metre minimum distance • Avoid touching your nose, eyes, National Institute of Communicable
requirement from other members of face or head. Diseases (NICD) helpline on
the public. 0800 029 999 and ask for advice on
• If you need to cough or sneeze, The South African Government what to do.
use your elbow, not your hand. has declared a state of lockdown
Alternatively, cough or sneeze into and residents are urged to stay at Anyone who tests positive will either
a tissue and immediately throw the home and self-isolate. As you most be put in isolation at one of the
tissue away into a litter bin, then likely know, all schools and tertiary hospitals designated to respond to
sanitise your hand. institutions have been closed; the outbreak or be asked to isolate
restaurants and all non-essential themselves at home. You’ll need to
retail outlets have been closed; all remain in quarantine until tests show
events and mass gatherings such you no longer have the virus.
as sports events, concerts, expos
and church services have been The NICD will then trace people who
cancelled; food deliveries have have been in close contact with you.
been banned; and there has Anyone who could have come in
been a restriction placed on contact with an infected patient in the
the sale of liquor. week before they began to feel sick
should self-quarantine themselves
WHAT SHOULD I DO (ie. stay at home for 14 days).
IF I SUSPECT THAT I
HAVE CONTRACTED Remember, call the National Institute
COVID-19? of Communicable Diseases (NICD)
If you suspect that you helpline on 0800 029 999 should you
might have contracted the have any symptoms or concerns.
virus, do not go to a hospital
or clinic. If it turns out that Image references: https://www.who.
you didn’t have the virus, you int/westernpacific/news/multimedia/
may have put yourself at risk infographics/covid-19

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