Coronavirus: Metro urges residents not to panic amid confirmed case in Gauteng
Reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Anyone with any of the symptoms is advised to go to the nearest health care facility.
The City of Ekurhuleni assures its communities that there is no need to panic.
This is according to metro spokesperson, Themba Gadebe.
“While we are aware that there is a sense of worry and panic throughout the country following the confirmed case of Covid 19 in KwaZulu-Natal, the City appeals for calmness as there is no need for panic at this stage,” said Gadebe.
“In our efforts to deal with any cases of Covid 19 in our space, the City has established and activated the Outbreak Team, which mainly consists of healthcare workers. The City of Ekurhuleni is also part of the Joint Operation Centre dealing with the outbreak consisting of officials from all spheres of government.”
He said the following can provide protection against infection with coronaviruses and many other viruses that are more common in South Africa:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- Stay home when you are sick and try and keep distance from others at home;
- Cover your cough or sneeze with flexed elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces;
- Avoid contact with farm or wild animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-2019 includes, mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing.
