No coronavirus in Amanzimtoti

There has been no confirmed case of the coronavirus in Amanzimtoti. That’s the response from Netcare Kingsway Hospital that (by Wednesday, 18 March at noon) no patients had tested positive for COVID-19 after vicious rumours were circulated on social media by local ‘keyboard warriors’ last week.

The mother of a teenager who was reported as having the virus was “absolutely disgusted” that her son was being ostracised and her business affected by gullible people who had read the initial post and those who jumped on the bandwagon to spread the false information.

Her son, whom she wanted to remain anonymous, returned from New Zealand on Wednesday, 11 March at about 5.30pm and by lunchtime the next day, she started receiving messages enquiring about his well-being. One of the three people who were the main instigators of the rumour named her son. She has sought legal action against them, as they and their parents are liable under social media defamation laws.

“My son was sleeping when all this broke and he had no idea of what was happening. He doesn’t even know the boys who started the rumour.” The teen was tested twice for the virus – when he left New Zealand and when he entered SA – and received a clean bill of health.

READ ALSO: Kingsway Hospital debunks coronavirus rumours

“My son is not sick at all, he is very healthy. The knock-on effect of these rumours has been horrible. Three people cancelled appointments with me on Saturday and I have noticed a decline in business. My daughter was in tears trying to reassure everyone her brother is okay. In a round-about way, my business and his school has been attacked. One of the parents even pulled their children out of the school after hearing he was sick.”

The boy even left Toti for the weekend to get away from being attacked. “I feel sorry for him and this is so wrong what these people have done. I just want them to leave us alone and I hope this doesn’t happen to another family.”

Separate posts from another warrior ‘confirmed’ that the virus had hit Toti on Thursday. She then apologised, saying it was false and deleted her messages.

A task team under the initiative of SAPS that includes councillors and other roleplayers, are congregating on daily basis to exchange information and plan accordingly.

READ ALSO: What to do if you suspect you may be infected with the coronavirus

“We have initiated channels of communication with the local medical fraternity in an attempt to ensure transparency surrounding possible outbreaks and further contamination. We have to express concern at individuals with no formal medical training or qualifications extending opinions or even diagnosing symptoms on strength of what they have read or observed in the media. It would appear that even qualified physicians could be challenged in distinguishing the symptoms of Covid-19 compared to the cold, flu or bronchitis,” said ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge.

“It is strongly recommended that citizens take precautions that would include flu vaccination, exercise, healthy diet and boosting vitamin levels. Particularly at risk are senior citizens and those with a compromised immune system yet taking into consideration that while the virus is fragile outside the body, it remains alive and dangerous for several hours, if not days, thus necessitating increased sanitised measures of both one’s person and immediate surrounds.”
Public testing and quarantine facilities currently only exist at King Dinizulu Hospital (previously King George) in Durban with other facilities being in Pietermaritzburg and the North Coast.

Toti-based Neuberg-Global laboratory can conduct a test at R950, with home visits to facilitate those in self-isolation. It is, however, important to note that citizens cannot present themselves for testing without being referred by a registered medical practitioner and using the correct documentation as prescribed by government.

“At this point only people who have been exposed to, or travelled from contaminated areas, as well as those who have been in contact with such individuals and who are showing possible symptoms of being sick, will be considered for testing and then again only on strength of a medical referral.”

How the virus has affected Toti to date:

Kingsburgh Lions has suspended monthly food collections at Seadoone Mall and Pick and Arbour Crossing, and its monthly diabetes testing until further notice. Sapphire Coast Tourism cancelled its Easter holidays beach programme. Toti United Football Club suspended all friendlies, training and league matches. Upper South Coast Art Association cancelled an exhibition at Seadoone Mall and social meetings have been postponed.

The Aquelle Tour Durban and Holla Trails Classic in Ballito have been postponed, as well as the Highland Gathering and Durban South Picnic. eThekwini Municipality has closed all beaches and swimming pools from 17 March to 14 April.

Members of the public can phone the NICD toll-free hotline on 080-002-9999 on Mondays to Fridays, from 8am to 4pm, for information.

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

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