COVID-19 infection toll rises – but no cases on South Coast
At the time of writing, (Wednesday, March 18), 116 South Africans were confirmed to have contracted the virus, and no deaths had been recorded.
As the country continues to record increasing numbers of confirmed COVID-19 (coronavirus) infections, it is important for the public to remain calm and informed.
The outbreak began in China in late 2019 and has, according to the World Health Organisation, now developed into a global pandemic.
At the time of writing, (Wednesday, March 18), 116 South Africans were confirmed to have contracted the virus.
In a statement yesterday (Wednesday), Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced a big jump in confirmed infections, up from 85.
No deaths had been reported.
Where to get tested and whether or not a quarantine facility was available on the coast were among the questions posed by Ray Nkonyeni Municipality councillors during a COVID-19 presentation by the Health Department at the Uvongo Town Hall on Tuesday this week.
The presentation stressed the importance of councillors being aware of the potential dangers of the virus so they could relay this to their constituents.
It also focused on how to deal with the threat of the virus and the common signs of infection.
Although the Herald could not confirm if or where the Ugu district health department testing sites were, the newspaper was informed that suspected cases could be tested privately at Lancet laboratories, 28 Connor Street, Port Shepstone.
There are currently no facilities designated to quarantine infected patients in the district, council heard.
According to the presentation, visitors were being screened and questioned prior to being allowed to enter various wards at both Port Shepstone and Murchison hospitals to minimise the risk of patients being infected.
Again at the time of writing, the South Coast had no confirmed COVID-19 cases.
As a precaution however schools, several churches and businesses and charitable organisations have cancelled or postponed planned events and have suspended activities until further notice.
Changes have also been made in terms of municipal gatherings, including the cancellation of the annual mayoral road shows which were scheduled to take place in April.
Municipal manager Max Mbili said no large public gatherings would be allowed.
He added that the use of breathalysers by law enforcement officers had ceased until further notice.
“As precaution, we will also be providing sanitizers in community service centres and at public facilities like libraries and halls.
“Our employees who deal with customers will be provided with the necessary protective wear.”
The municipality said it was imperative for the public to cooperate and urged them to continue following stringent hygiene precautions to reduce their risk of being infected.
“We plead with people to remain calm but cautious as the pandemic spares no community. We also advise people to ignore unproven myths about the virus, and to rely on facts provided by reputable sources.”
KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu said it was not necessary to wear protective masks unless one had already contracted the infection as this would limit the spread of the virus.
She advised people to wash their hands thoroughly as a way of preventing infection.
“Once a person had been infected it is difficult to say when they will recover as it could take anything from a few days to more than two weeks. It is completely dependent on each person,” she said.
The MEC said the department had conducted thorough training on how to handle COVID-19 at hospitals, issuing guidelines to to all staff from doctors to cleaners.
You are advised to get tested if you have symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or fever and have done one of the following:
* Been in contact with someone who has COVID-19;
* Have travelled to a country where you have a high risk of being infected;
* Have worked in or been to a healthcare facility treating people with COVID-19;
* Have a severe case of pneumonia with an unknown cause.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
* 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).
