Covid-19 – Edenvale GP calls for calm
“In densely populated areas like in urban area, there was more room for the transmission of the virus,”
As Covid-19 spreads in SA, Dr Mark Govender of Baker Street Medi Centre appealed to the community to not panic, but to take appropriate measures, and to work together.
Govender said internationally those hit hardest by the virus have been the elderly.
“In general, any patient who is immune-compromised would be at risk, besides the elderly, this would include young patients with HIV, TB, cancer patients and chronic medical conditions such as heart failure, diabetes or asthma.”
Govender said the virus would affect those whose health was already compromised.
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He said about 96-97 per cent of patients infected by Covid-19 would recover.
“In densely populated areas like in urban area, there was more room for the transmission of the virus,”said Govender.
Govender said the March 18 statistics for South Africa showed that 61 of the 116 Covid-19 cases were from Gauteng.
“Gauteng is the smallest but densely populated province in the country,” said Govender.
“Yes, it is a nasty virus that causes influenza-like symptoms; it is not something to panic about but neither is it something to laugh about.
“It can affect everyone, and we all need to play our part in reducing the transmission of the disease.”
To minimise the spread of the virus, Govender encouraged the community to adhere to the measures put in place by the government.
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Additionally, the community members can do the following:
• Practice social distancing and try to stay 1.5m away from other people, especially if you suspect they are ill.
• Move away from contacting others by hugging and shaking their hands.
• Community members need to wash their hand thoroughly and regularly.
• Change the way they cough and sneeze, and rather sneeze or cough into a bent elbow or disposable tissue.
• Minimise the use of public transport and public spaces.
• Avoid social gatherings.
• Try to isolate themselves as much as possible.
• Avoid contact with inanimate objects such as handrails and door handles.
“From what the health officials have said, the virus can live on inanimate objects for 24 hours.”
Govender said if community members cannot avoid public transport, they should wear a mask and gloves while commuting.
He said if community members cannot find a mask, they should cover their nose and mouths as much as possible.
“Minimising your use of public transport would be preferable.”
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When comparing the use of latex gloves and the frequently washing of hands, Govender said hand washing was a better preventative measure.
“Use soap and warm water, and wash your hands thoroughly, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser which is 70 per cent alcohol or higher ”
“Latex gloves are meant to be used once off in a particular environment, or at an event.”
Govender said by disposing of the gloves after leaving the initial environment, community members would spread what accumulated on to their gloves.
At his practice, several steps have been put in place to make the premises as sterile as possible.
He said receptionist screens calls from patients and takes measures to make sure none of the patients who visit have travelled internationally or are acutely ill.
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When patients enter the practice there is a bottle of hand sanitiser for them to use.
Govender said the door to the practice is left open as much as possible so to reduce the patient’s contact with inanimate objects.
In the doctor’s rooms, there is more hand sanitiser available to patients.
Govender said surfaces in the practice are sterilised at least three times a day, and staff wear masks and gloves.
“Patients are becoming socially responsible when they call in. They tell me if they have been travelling, and tell me their symptoms over the phone.”
“We have a separate area outside the practice where we can isolate the patients, and I can examine them and decide what steps need to be followed.”
Govender said this was done to minimise contact between patients suspected of being infected with Covid-19 and others.
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Although it has not happened yet, it was possible that the virus could change and adapt to its environment.
“As most viruses, Covid-19 can mutate. We haven’t seen anything yet, but the possibility is there.”
If the virus were to change it would affect research into a vaccine.
Govender believes that if the situation were to worsen in SA, the country’s hospitals would be able to manage the situation.
Govender said at the moment both the state, public and private sectors, rallied together to provide direction and resource to control the spread of the virus.
“We [SA] have great plans in place which are policy-driven and being driven right from the top by the government.”
He said in a worst case scenario, and if the S’s transmission rate were to increase the virus would affect those whose immune systems are compromised the most.
“At that stage, we would start to see an increase in mortality rate.”
Govender said to maintain a strong immune system, the community member need to exercise and eat healthily.
He said if community members have a healthy diet, there would be less of a need to consume vitamins.
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