What it means to keep a safe distance
JOHANNESBURG – As the number of coronavirus cases in South Africa continues to grow, South Africans are quickly realising the importance of taking a step back.
As the number of coronavirus cases in South Africa continues to grow, South Africans are quickly realising the importance of taking a step back.
The pandemic, which initially started in China, quickly spread to other parts of the world and has caused many to be fearful of contracting the virus and potentially spreading it to others. The first case in South Africa was reported on 5 March and has quickly grown to well over a hundred in just a couple of weeks. (At the time of going to print on 23 March, the number stood at 402)
As panic and fear continue to rise, the World Health Organisation (WHO), has placed an emphasis on a key phrase that will help combat the spread of the virus – social distancing.
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The international organisation has recommended that people keep at least one metre from each other. According to Dr Benedetta Allegranzi, the technical lead for infection prevention and control for WHO, the virus can spread through respiratory droplets (liquids that many come out when someone coughs or sneezes).
“It is very important to avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or a cough or other respiratory symptoms. In practical terms, we recommend keeping at least one metre from a sick person and you should avoid shaking hands, hugging or kissing people with these symptoms,” Allegranzi explained.
On 15 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the first internal transmission. He declared a national state of disaster lasting for three months if not extended or cancelled and implemented a number of safety measures to prevent the spread. These safety measures include a partial travel ban, discouraging public transport, the closure of schools and prohibiting gatherings of more than 100 people.
During a press briefing, Gauteng Premier David Makhura said that Gauteng is particularly vulnerable because of its dense population. The province’s transport system and informal settlements also make it challenging to contain the virus.
Dr Rebecca Moeti, the regional director for the World Health Organisation Africa, said, “The socio-economic conditions in many countries around Africa are proving to be a significant challenge. Many people live in environments where social distancing is not possible and there is not access to running water.
“Sometimes people live in a house where there isn’t an individual bedroom for each person or running water so hand washing is a challenge.”
With many terms flying about, it’s important to know what each person should do to protect their health and the health of others.
• Social distancing: This means to avoid any non-essential contact with others. Refrain from gatherings with others, even if they are small, and limit indoor and outdoor contact with as many people as possible. Everyone should practice this as much as is possible.
• Self-isolation: This is recommended for a person who has been diagnosed with coronavirus or has any of the symptoms associated with it. A person in self-isolation should limit all contact with others.
• Self-quarantine: This is for someone who is well and does not show any symptoms but has recently been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with coronavirus. A person in self-quarantine should avoid all contact with others for a 14-day period.
• Mandatory quarantine: This takes place when the government puts strict restrictions in place on its residents’ movements. People may still be allowed out to get essentials and fresh air but may only do so under strict conditions.
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