On 5 March, the Department of Health’s Dr Zweli Mkhize sent shock waves across the country when he confirmed that the first case of coronavirus had hit the shores of South Africa.
ALSO READ: First coronavirus case confirmed in South Africa
Ever since the announcement, South Africans have been posting their thoughts on Twitter:
This Sunday at church when the pastor's says "shake you neighbour's hand an tell him…"#CoronavirusInSA pic.twitter.com/F8YQqRQlow
— Bright Mokome (@neon_theone) March 6, 2020
So we are going to die from #CoronavirusInSA? Lemme maximise my credit cards, take 200k home loan, open 5 clothing accounts and get drunk…. hlendizafa mos????????????
— ????Madlomo. Sbhushwana.???????????? (@NdlelaSnethemba) March 6, 2020
This Coronavirus Came To The Wrong Country looking for attention, it should go somewhere else where people will take it serious. South Africans will never take anything serious. #COVID19 #CoronavirusInSA #coronavirus #coronavirussa #coronaviruschallenge pic.twitter.com/5eO0bT68C4
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) March 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/Rebecca_Tlabago/status/1235826080302239747?s=20
https://twitter.com/Thabang_xzay/status/1235800364684804096?s=20
Corona virus hasn't been here for more than a day but Skrr Skrr kids are already calling it 'The Rona' ????
#CoronavirusInSA pic.twitter.com/5WBskU61GF
— Npk Twice (@NpkTwiceSA) March 6, 2020
South Africans have, however, been reminded that the risk that coronavirus poses is real. The World Health organisation has offered the following safety tips:
- Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash with soap and water.
- Maintain social distancing of at least 1 metre between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth because once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
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