On 7 January 2020, “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed as the causative agent of “Coronavirus Disease 2019” or COVID-19. 

People most at risk of death are the elderly and individuals with co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

The spread of the disease is thought to happen mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Thus far, the majority of cases have occurred in people with close physical contact to cases.

Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or fever however reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.

Treatment is supportive (providing oxygen for patients with shortness of breath or treating a fever, for example). To date, there is no specific antiviral treatment available. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections. However, antibiotics may be required if a bacterial secondary infection develops.

The following can provide protection against infection from Coronaviruses and many other viruses that are more common in South Africa:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

• Wear a cloth face mask when in public.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay at home when you are sick and try and keep a distance from others at home.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Carewell Hospitals have taken the following precautions to protect our patients and staff from being infected by the COVID-19 virus:

• Daily screening of staff for fever or other symptoms. 

• Strict hygiene protocol including hand and surface sanitising.

• Social distancing rules in waiting area and work environment

• Wearing of Personal Protection equipment (PPE) like face masks

• Strict isolation protocol for any COVID-19 positive patients or suspected cases. 

• Visitation will be limited and in certain cases not allowed, please check with the hospital before attempting to visit a patient.

• All people wanting to enter the building will first be screened for fever and asked if they are displaying any other symptoms associated with COVID-19.

• Hand sanitation stations will be available at the entrance for use by the public.

• Any person entering the building will be required to wear a cloth face mask.