South Africa has a record of 205721 coronavirus cases and 3310 total deaths as of 7 July 2020. Gauteng has 66891 cases, and the epicentre remains Western Cape with a total of 70938.
Eastern Cape comes third as the province with the highest number of cases standing at 38081. KwaZulu Natal stands at 15 819 cases, and Northern Cape remains the province with the lowest number of cases standing at 820 cases.
South Africa currently has 97848 recoveries.
North West has 6410 confirmed cases of coronavirus, Mpumalanga standing at 2173, Limpopo at 1785 and Free State is standing at 2804.
ABOUT COVID-19
Coronavirus disease now popularly referred to as (COVID-19), the CO stands for Corona, VI stands for Virus, and D stands for the disease. The 2019 Novel Coronavirus is also called 2019-nCov.
COVID-19 has flu-like symptoms and some experience mild to moderate symptoms. However, some people can recover without any special treatment.
The Spread of COVID-19
COVID-19 is spread through droplets (from sneezing, coughing, and exhaling). These droplets can be found on surfaces and/or the floor. The virus is easily transmitted through close proximity to someone who has been infected with COVID-19.
You can get infected by touching contaminated surfaces through your eyes, nose, and/or mouth.
The Symptoms of COVID-19
Our immune systems differ individually as with health status, hence the virus affects people differently. Most people have recovered without hospitalization whereas some develop mild to moderate symptoms.
The most common symptoms are flu, dry cough, and tiredness. In some instances, you may feel pains, sore throat, diarrhea, headache, conjunctivitis, loss of taste or smell, and/or rash on the skin, discoloration of fingers or toes.
Serious symptoms include difficulty in breathing, chest pains, and loss of speech and/or movement.
- Those with serious symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical care
- Those with mild symptoms are advised to manage the symptoms at home.
Once infected, it may take you five (5) to six (6) days to start showing symptoms, however, it can take up to 14 days.
COVID-19 Prevention
To stop and prevent the spread of COVID-19 you are required to the following
- Wash your hands with soap and water as often as possible and utilize the alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Please follow South African Regulations and stay home to curb the spread of the virus.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and/or mouth.
- Practice social distancing
- The South African Emergency Hotline is 0800 029 999
- The WhatsApp Support Line is 0600-123456
- Please seek quick medical attention if you having difficulty breathing, and please make a call in advance.
Taking care of yourself
Currently, vaccines for COVID-19 in development add up to 118. There isn’t one available or medicine for COVID-19. Each is still to undergo three phases of clinical trials.
Stay home as required and when you feel sick, please rest and drink a lot of water and your plate should be nutritious.
Should you develop symptoms please stay in separate rooms at home. Disinfect surfaces as frequently as possible. Now that South Africa is on level three, you are allowed to exercise any time of the time – but use this opportunity and stay healthy.
Keep in touch with people you love and trust such as your close friends, and family online. Love and Care for your kids.
When you feel stressed, sad, or very confused, it is normal as this epidemic is handled differently by each person emotionally – you are advised to talk a health work or counsellor if you are overwhelmed.
Important Information
- Learn more about the COVID-19 on who.int
- Visit sacoronavirus.co.za for more information (South African Health Department)
Sources
- Google.com COVID-19 info
- medicalnewstoday.com
- Bioworld.com
- Github
- EWN
