Risks and preventions for COVID-19

Those at-risk of contracting COVID-19 include:

· People who have returned from a high risk area within the last 14 days; or

· Those who have been in contact with a confirmed COVID -19 Coronavirus patient, and

· Are showing potential symptoms, as confirmed by a medical doctor.

“The information available through the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that the majority of people who contract COVID-19 will recover fully within a few weeks. So far, global trends indicate that approximately one in five people who fall ill with COVID-19 could require hospitalisation,” said Dr Jacques Snyman, medical director of Agility Health, the scheme’s administrator and managed care provider.

Tips to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus:

Wash your hands properly

The virus that causes COVID-19 is encased in a protective covering that allows it to survive outside the body, and hence remain infectious, for longer than many other viruses.

For this reason, it is important to wash hands with soap and preferably hot water for at least 20 seconds while vigorously rubbing and scrubbing all surfaces of the hand – from the fingertips, under and around the nails, between the fingers, on the palms and the backs of the hands, and the wrists up to the mid-forearm.

Drying the hands is very important. You should not risk contaminating your clean hands with a towel that others have used.

Disposable paper towels are a good option, and one could consider following this with a hand sanitiser or hand rub that has an alcohol content of at least 60%.

Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces

Door handles, cell phones, taps, turnstiles, access key pads, fingerprint recognition systems, refrigerator or cupboard doors and ATMs are just a few of the surfaces we come into contact with frequently that could harbour traces of the novel coronavirus.

How long the virus can survive on surfaces depends on various factors, but the safest bet is to frequently disinfect surfaces that are touched often or by numerous people.

Avoid close contact with others

Maintaining personal distance, preferably more than a metre, from other people can help to reduce the risk of infection.

“Especially if a person is showing signs of respiratory illness, such as coughing or sneezing, it is advisable to keep your distance. It is believed that the virus could be contagious even before a person begins to feel ill, so it is a good idea to avoid getting close to others wherever possible, said Snyman.

Those who are coughing or sneezing should cover their nose and mouth, either with a tissue or with the inner crook of their elbow, to prevent droplets spraying onto people or surfaces nearby. “Dispose of the tissue in a sealed bin, and wash your hands well immediately afterwards.”

Hands off your face

The mouth, nose and eyes are places where the virus can easily enter the body, and it is therefore recommended that we make every effort not to touch our faces in an effort to prevent infection.

Think you may have COVID-19?

“If you suspect that you may have COVID-19, it is important to phone your designated healthcare service provider and let them know your specific concerns before arriving at the practice.

“This will help the healthcare practitioner to make the necessary arrangements in advance, so that they can assist you while safeguarding others against possible transmission,” said Snyman.

The public is advised to call the coronavirus hotline on 0800 029 999 with any suspected cases of Covid-19, or to report or obtain information relevant to the pandemic.