Corona Virus – Safety Tips

In light of the arrival of COVID-19 on South African shores, many have fallen prey to the mass hysteria and fake news plaguing social media platforms and news outlets. In an attempt to do our part to combat this we have written a short article to work as a guideline on how you can stay safe in these stressful times.

Despite common misconceptions, the Corona Virus is spread via the transfer of the virus through direct physical contact, this means that although it can sometimes be tricky, the steps one can take to avoid spreading or contracting the Virus are fairly straightforward. Everyone has their own idea of how to combat the spread of this virus but it all ultimately boils down to 2 things; Social Distancing and Hygiene.

If you are unaware of what either of these means, something we hope will not be the case, let us break it down for you:

• This is the purposeful reducing contact between people.
• Avoid malls where possible.
• Avoid mass gatherings (more than 100 people prohibited)
• Keep a distance of at least 1.5m between yourself and others.
• People with pre-existing medical conditions, and senior citizens, are at high risk, so avoid going out, if you can.
• Avoid shaking hands
• Avoid touching your face
• If you feel the need to cough or sneeze, do so into your elbow or shoulder.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, thereafter, use a hand sanitizer

Of course, there are many other measures one can take to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe for the duration of this outbreak, the use of face masks or other protective equipment especially if you must move through or interact with “High Touch zones” or areas where many people have passed through or come into contact with the immediate area such as The elevators or Escalators in a shopping mall, public restrooms, and ablutions, card machines at service stations, etc. One can also focus on boosting their immune system and that of their families and loved ones, especially the youngest and oldest amongst them as well as those with existing conditions such as Asthma or Heart conditions. And always keep in mind that you can show no symptoms and still carry the virus and although you may be fine, others may not have the same immune system that you do. Working together this virus can be beaten as fast as it arrived.

In an attempt to curb the spread of the COVID-19 Virus it is also a good idea to Self-Isolate should you be feeling ill or displaying any of the symptoms such as:

• Increased Body Temperature (Fever)
• Sore throat
• General fatigue
• Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath
• Persistent pain or “pressure” in the chest
• Confusion
• Bluish tinge to the lips or face (generally seen at fingertips first)

Please note that this list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your local medical provider for any other signs and symptoms that are severe or concerning. Self-Isolation will assist in limiting the number of locations you may spread the Virus by insuring you travel only from your house to a medical professional to ensure that you can receive a test for COVID-19. Please note that the above symptoms can also be the result of multiple causes such as colds, the flu and allergies brought about by the seasonal change we are currently experiencing, so if you show one or more signs of the above, DO NOT PANIC, but at the same time seek medical help as soon as you can and be sure.

It’s a scary time in our country and indeed the world, but together, if we take care of ourselves, our hygiene and our fellow man, we can stop COVID-19 in its tracks and ensure it fast becomes a part of our history.