Mashiloane ended up in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) shortly after testing positive last year and this taught him that one can never be too careful.

“I am one of the people who have been complying with the regulations through and through. I have been working from home. We had sanitizers in every room and every car. We also washed our hands regularly. We wore masks and did not visit friends and family.”

Despite all these precautionary measures, Mashiloane still contracted Covid-19. Mashiloane says when he first had symptoms, he thought it was just a regular flue. He consulted with his doctor and found out that he was positive after the doctor referred him to get tested at a lab.

“I recovered in hospital but the recovery process continued at home as I could not walk after spending 9 days in ICU and a further 3 days in a medical ward. Physiotherapy helped me a lot. The recovery at home took another three to four weeks as I was still experiencing some after effects such as shaking in my legs and hands, mild headaches and heart palpitations.”

Mashiloane states that the psychological effects of Covid-19 remain with you for a long time. “I have panic attacks where I sometimes think I’m not breathing properly.”

Mashiloane says this happens even after hearing news of people dying due to Covid-19, “whether I know them personally or not, I have developed a deep compassion for people suffering from Covid-19.

My faith and prayer kept me strong.  I have lost friends due to Covid-19 and the thought of losing my life often crossed my mind while I was in ICU. There was a particular day where I had already given up or was on the verge of giving up. My faith however kept me alive. Everyone must take this virus seriously as no one is immune from it.  It can happen to anyone.

Mashiloane urges everyone to follow the restrictions of the current lockdown so as to keep themselves and loved ones safe.