COVID-19 (Corona virus) confirmed cases increase to seven
SANDOWN – One of the staff members was allegedly direct contact with a patient who has the virus.
Update, 9 March, 3pm
During an address to the media on 9 March, Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize confirmed that four additional cased have tested positive.
The first two are a couple from KZN. “Both have been put into quarantine but have not yet been admitted to hospital,” he said.
He added that although the female showed symptoms on arrival, the male did not show any.
The last two additional cases is 45-year-old male and 38-year old male from Pietermaritzburg.
“Both are showing symptoms and are being monitored closely,” Mkhize added.
Initial report, 9 March, 11am
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that Grayston Preparatory School in Sandown has been closed for today.
Reports indicate that one of its teachers had allegedly been in contact with the group of people who had recently travelled from Italy.
The teacher is said to be isolated for possible COVID-19.
According to a message seen by the Sandton Chronicle which was sent out to parents and staff members, the teacher does not appear to be displaying any symptoms of the virus and “appears to be in good health”.
It is reported that the Gauteng Department of Education will be sending officials to the school.
Minister Angie Motshekga briefed the media in Pretoria today. She said, “We are in constant communication with the Department of Health… we encourage our learners to wash their hands and stay away from sick people.”
The Chronicle has asked the Department of Health for comment.
“When we act, we encourage schools to properly communicate with the various departments if there are any signs of a learner being ill so that the proper procedures are followed,” said Motshekga.
This is a developing story.
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) March 9, 2020
In severe cases, the coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, multiple organ failure and even death. Older people, pregnant women and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease, HIV and TB, are more likely to become severely ill if they are exposed to the virus.
What is the incubation period?
The incubation period, which is the period between when you are infected and when you start showing any symptoms, is up to 14 days according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
How can you protect yourself and your family?
According to WHO, it is critically important that you follow all precautions as listed below;
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Let us help health workers in this fight. Stop sharing and the spreading of fake news, this undermines greatly the efforts of Health workers. Members of the public can use the NICD 24hour public hotline and not the designated clinician hotline. pic.twitter.com/YPSvzH5mIV
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) March 9, 2020
Information is changing very rapidly on the COVID-19, the NICD is monitoring the situation very closely and is keeping clinicians updated. One of the key issues is the contact tracing and monitoring of close contacts.
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) March 9, 2020
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