COVID – 19
CORONAVIRUS
YOU WILL BE ABLE TO
- Seek medical care
- Buy groceries
- Visit the pharmacy
- Access banking services
- Get petrol
- Collect social grants
SHOPPING FOR ESSENTIALS:
Residents are advised to only shop/purchase essentials within the respective areas where the live. Nobody will be allowed to shop outside the towns where they reside.
Jacobsbaai residents to purchase essentials in Vredenburg, and Langebaanweg to purchase in Langebaan.
STAY SAFE
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
COVID-19 Lockdown Road Blocks in the Western Cape
COVID-19 VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY SCREENING AND TESTING, VREDENBURG
12 January 2021
The Western Cape Government Health will conduct voluntary COVID-19 community screening and testing in Vredenburg from 09:30 to 13:00 on the following days at the venues below:
-
Opposite Louwville Civic Centre: 12 & 13 January 2021
-
HIV/AIDS Initiative (old Transnet hostel): 14 & 15 January 2021
On behalf of the Department of Health, Western Cape Government
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain at least 1 metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
- Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.
The COVID-19 virus affects different people in different ways. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and most infected people will develop mild to moderate symptoms and recover without requiring special treatment. People who have underlying medical conditions and those over 60 years old have a higher risk of developing severe disease and death.
Common symptoms include:
- fever
- tiredness
- dry cough.
Other symptoms include:
- shortness of breath
- aches and pains
- sore throat
- and very few people will report diarrhoea, nausea or a runny nose.
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should self-isolate and contact their medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice on testing and referral.
People with fever, cough or difficulty breathing should call their doctor and seek medical attention.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain at least 1 metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
- Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.
The COVID-19 virus affects different people in different ways. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and most infected people will develop mild to moderate symptoms and recover without requiring special treatment. People who have underlying medical conditions and those over 60 years old have a higher risk of developing severe disease and death.
Common symptoms include:
- fever
- tiredness
- dry cough.
Other symptoms include:
- shortness of breath
- aches and pains
- sore throat
- and very few people will report diarrhoea, nausea or a runny nose.
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should self-isolate and contact their medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice on testing and referral.
People with fever, cough or difficulty breathing should call their doctor and seek medical attention.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN
A lockdown is an emergency protocol that usually prevents people or information from leaving an area. The protocol can usually only be initiated by someone in a position of authority. Lockdowns can also be used to protect people inside a facility or, for example, a computing system, from a threat or other external event. Of buildings, a drill lockdown usually means that doors leading outside are locked such that no person may enter or exit. A full lockdown usually means that people must stay where they are and may not enter or exit a building or rooms within said building. If people are in a hallway, they should go to the nearest safe, enclosed room.
PUBLIC NOTICE WITH REGARDS TO MUNICIPAL SERVICES DURING THE NATIONAL COVID-19 LOCKDOWN:
EXTENSION OF CLOSING DATES FOR VARIOUS TENDERS AND QUOTATIONS
Saldanha Bay Municipality extended the closing dates for tenders and quotations to 22 May 2020 due to the lockdown in terms of the Disaster Management Act, to ensure the supply chain management process is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective.
PUBLIC HOTLINE:
0800 029 999
0800 111 132
PROVINCIAL HOTLINE:
021 928 4102
E-mail: doh.dismed@westerncape.gov.za
WHATSAPP “HI” TO
060 012 3456
Frequently asked questions
When am I considered to have Covid-19?
You will be suspected to have the Covid-19 virus if you have flu-like symptoms and in the last 14 days:
- have travelled internationally to an area where Covid-19 is spreading from person-to-person in the community OR Been in close contact (e.g. face-to-face contact, been in a closed room, transport) with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 OR
- Have a household member or someone at work who has tested positive for Covid-19 OR
- Have worked in a facility where a Covid-19 case/s has been diagnosed and was not wearing personal protective equipment OR
- Have travelled to an area where Covid-19 is spreading from person-to-person in the community.
If you suspect you might have Covid-19, then take our self-assessment test to determine your risk profile.
See the affected areas which are updated daily by NICD.
Plain Language Definition: If should suspect you have Covid-19 or if you have a flu-like illness and have travelled to an area where Covid-19 is spreading from person-to-person in the community OR had close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of Covid-19.
How does Covid-19 spread?
The Covid-19 spreads mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets are then transferred through close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands, or touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Because the virus is spread through the air it is important to stay more than 1-2 meters away from a person who is sick.
What is the incubation period for Covid-19 and how long is it?
The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for Covid-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days.
How do I prevent being infected, or spreading Covid-19?
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading Covid-19 by taking some simple precautions:
- Stay at home.
- Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub for at least 20 seconds. Wash hands often, especially before handling food/ after using toilet or coughing/ sneezing.
- Cover your cough or sneeze in the bend of elbow or with a tissue, once used throw away and wash your hands.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wearing a mask is unlikely to protect you if you are well. People who are coughing and sneezing who wear a mask (surgical mask fine, N95 not necessary) are less likely to infect others.
How do I go about getting a test?
Should you develop flu-like symptoms after visiting a country or area where Covid-19 is spreading from person-to-person in the community OR had close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of Covid-19 stay calm. Remember even if you do have Covid-19 most people have a mild illness. It’s important to seek care in a way that prevents you from spreading it to others:
- If you have access to private healthcare call your general doctor/ local health facility or NICD Hotline on 0800 029 999 or the Provincial Hotline on 021 928 4102. Explain your symptoms and where you have travelled or with whom you have had contact.
- If you use public healthcare call your local health facility or NICD Hotline on 0800 029 999 or the Provincial Hotline on 021 928 4102. You will receive advice on what to do. If you are unable to make a call, go to your local facility. Before you enter the facility alert staff that you are concerned you have Covid-19. Expect to be asked to put on a face mask. You will be asked to wait separately from other patients until a health worker can help you.
Should you develop difficulty breathing seek care urgently. If possible, call ahead to your local health facility to inform them you are en route.
Who is at risk of developing severe illness?
While we are still learning about how COVID-19 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as lung disease, heart disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.
Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for Covid-19?
Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat Covid-2019. However, those affected would receive appropriate care to relieve symptoms.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating the Covid-19?
No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. Covid-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of Covid-19. They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection.
Should I wear a mask to protect myself from Covid-19?
Only wear a mask if you are ill with Covid-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have Covid-19.
Disposable face masks can only be used once.
The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against Covid-19 are to stay at home, frequently wash your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1-2 meters from people who are coughing or sneezing.
Can I breastfeed if I have Covid-19?
There is currently no clinical evidence to suggest that the virus can be transmitted through breast milk.
Infection can be spread to the baby in the same way as to anyone in close contact with you. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of the virus through breast milk or by being in close contact with your child.
If you wish to breastfeed, take precautions to limit the potential spread of Covid-19 to the baby by:
• washing your hands before touching the baby, breast pump or bottles
• avoiding coughing or sneezing on the baby while feeding at the breast
• cleaning any breast pump as recommended by the manufacturer after each use
• considering asking someone who is well to feed your expressed breast milk to the baby.
If you are feeding with formula or expressed milk, sterilise the equipment carefully before each use. You should not share bottles or a breast pump with someone else.
How long does the Covid-19 virus survive on surfaces?
It is not certain how long the virus that causes Covid-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).
If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
