Covid-19: Is the North Coast ready to tackle the virus?

North Coast hospitals are urging people to be calm in the face of the Coronavirus which has now spread to more than 109 countries and territories worldwide since it first broke out in the city of Wuhan, China.

South Africans are in a flat spin following the announcement of 13 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the country, six of which are from a group of people from Hilton, near Pietermaritzburg, who recently returned from Italy and the latest another KZN man who had returned from Portugal on March 7.

#COVID19 UPDATE: 6 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed. This takes the total number of coronavirus positive patients in South Africa to 13.

— NICD (@nicd_sa) March 11, 2020

But what measures are being implemented to prevent the further spread of the virus in the country and, specifically, the North Coast?

Netcare Alberlito and the medical group itself seems to have taken the most pro-active approach to date.

Dr Anchen Laubscher, Group Medical Director of Netcare said they have taken the necessary steps to ensure readiness for swiftly responding to and managing any Coronavirus cases.

According to Dr Laubscher, in addition to a national hotline the group have also implemented various screening measures and also set up tents at entrance points to emergency departments where further screening will be done.

The group will also assist those facilities not yet equipped with ultraviolet light disinfection equipment.

“These mobile robots have been proven to be extremely effective in identifying and destroying viruses, bacteria and fungal spores,” said Dr Laubscher.

Research so far has indicated that people most susceptible to the virus had pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, high blood pressure and in some cases, cancer.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus: “No need to panic” says Health Minister

And although the virus’ death rate may not be that high, the rate at which it spreads is.

In Tongaat, Victoria Mediclinic has also taken a pro-active stance, according to the hospital nursing manager, Kim Mey.

“Currently we do not have any confirmed COVID 19 cases in our hospital. All staff have been briefed with specific attention to our emergency unit staff as they are the front-line in receiving suspected cases,” said Mey.

Mey added that there were strict measures in place, especially with regard to personnel protective equipment within the emergency unit.

Access to the hospital through its emergency unit has been restricted, a move Mey added was made to prioritise emergency cases.

“All other patients, visitors, doctors and healthcare workers will be redirected to the main reception and staff entrance. The reason for this is to reduce any potential exposure to those coming into the facility.

Security have also been placed at both entrances to manage access and ensure that hand hygiene is performed on entering the hospital.

“Once a suspected patient is in our facility and requires admission, the patient will be placed in an isolation ward with negative air pressure. In terms of visitors, strict measures will be implemented until test results are received,” said Mey.

General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital, Stanger, was invited to provide insight as to what measures they have implemented to combat the virus.

At the time of going to print no response had been received.

*Latest Updates:

The Minister of Health, Dr Zwelini Mkhize has confirmed six new cases of Coronavirus in the country, bringing the total to 13.

KwaZulu-Natal: A 40-year-old man who had travelled to Portugal returned to South Africa on March 7.

Western Cape: A 36-year-old man returned to South Africa on March 9 after trips to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Turkey.

Gauteng: A couple, aged 33 and 34, returned from Germany on March 9.

“All the patients have now been advised. Those who are symptomatic have started receiving treatment. Some of these patients are already in hospital while some, specifically those who are asymptomatic are in self quarantine,” said Dr Mkhize.

Tracing for people who had come into contact with the above patients has started.

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

Download The North Coast Courier mobile app, now available free from the Apple iStore and on Google Play, for IOS and Android phones.