South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a national lockdown in South Africa in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are 663 282 confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa as of 22 September 2020. The number of tests conducted is 4 064 117. The total number of COVID-19 related deaths now stand at 16 118.
22 September 2020 #COVID19 statistics in South Africa #CoronaVirusSA pic.twitter.com/1tmo7TGOPx
— Department of Health (@HealthZA) September 22, 2020
The national lockdown moved from alert level 3 to alert level 2 from 18 August .
READ: The importance of flattening the curve
Watch this video on 7 steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
View this infographic for guidelines and info on the virus.
Watch the videos below for more information.
What to do when experiencing flu symptoms?
– If flu-like symptoms occur, please follow normal practice: visit a health facility and report specific details (travel overseas or potential exposure). This applies to public and private sectors.
– The healthcare practitioner will determine whether tests are required and consult with provincial authorities and notify NICD.
– If the patient fits the case definition they will either be isolated, or requested to self-isolate at home.
– Tests are confirmed within 24-48 hours and the patient will be notified.
– If positive, patient will be monitored closely, isolated and treated supportively. This may also involve self-isolation at home (with no contact with outside people).
– If negative, the patient needs to continue medical treatment as prescribed by health practitioner.
– If positive, family, friends, colleagues and other contacts will be followed up for contact tracing (monitoring for symptoms).
What can I do to help?
– Please follow normal preventative health hygiene practice (hand washing, coughing etiquette) to keep healthy.
– Please seek medical help when experiencing flu symptoms.
– Disclose history and exposure.
– Please co-operate with isolation and quarantine advisories.
– Please co-operate with contact tracing instructions (temperature checks and follow up communication).
– Please do not share fake news. Share information responsibly.
– Check and share information from official Health channels or WHO.
– To assist members of the public and health facilities stay updated, we have also launched a dedicated webpage: www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus. We encourage members of the public to check the page for updates.
