CoE says there is no need to panic concerning coronavirus

The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) assures communities not to panic as there is no confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the region of Gauteng.

“While we are aware there is a sense of worry and panic throughout the country following the confirmed case in KwaZulu-Natal, the City appeals for calmness as there is no need for panic at this stage,” said CoE spokesperson Themba Gadebe.

According to Gadebe, the City has established and activated an outbreak team consisting of health-care workers.

CoE is also part of a Joint Operation Centre dealing with the outbreak consisting of officials from all spheres of government.

There are no specific measures currently recommended to prevent coronavirus.

Therefore, CoE provides the following tips for protection against infection of coronavirus:

• 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 sanitiser.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick and try and keep your distance from others at home.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the bin.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Avoid contact with farm or wild animals (alive or dead), animal markets and products from animals (such as uncooked meat).

“While the first cases probably involved exposure to an animal source, the virus now seems to be spreading from person to person.

The majority of cases have occurred in people with close physical contact to the infected, as well as health-care workers caring for patients with coronavirus,” said Gadebe.

Reported symptoms of patients with coronavirus include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, coughing and difficulty breathing.

Gadebe said reported cases have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.

“It is a fact that currently there is no vaccine for coronavirus, although officials in China have intensified efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

“Anyone with any of the symptoms is advised to go to the nearest health-care facility,” said Gadebe.

Leading the CoE Outbreak Team are Dr Joseph Sepuya and Dr Ronnel Kellerman.

Contact them on 082 826 1987 and 084 974 6051, respectively.