The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread across the world – killing thousands of people, crippling economies and threatening food security in poorer countries. South Africa has not been spared from the harsh realities brought about by the virus in the country; the pandemic has without a doubt brought to light the disparities and socio-economic challenges the country will have to deal with even after this pandemic. Although we still have the lowest number of deaths and a great number of recoveries, cases continue to rise with the latest statistics indicating 3635 positive cases, 65 deaths and 1055 recoveries. This is why it is important for us to remain informed as citizens, and know what to do and when. In this blog, we share some important information from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) on testing positive for COVID-19, contact tracing and isolation.
According to the NICD, a laboratory test will only be done by a health professional if a patient meets the Person Under Investigation (PUI) criteria and shows symptoms of an onset respiratory illness. If your symptoms meet these criteria a test will then be conducted and the following steps will follow.
- After the test : once you have been tested you’ll then wait for your results for a few days after which a health care worker will contact you with your results or sent them directly to you.
- If your test is confirmed positive: you’ll have to isolate for the safety of your family, friends and community. A health-care worker will come and assess your home environment to determine if you are able to isolate and give you a care-pack.
- Following this visit: you’ll then be required to provide a list of all the people you have been in contact with from two days before you became ill. These people will be traced and also encouraged to self-quarantine at their homes for fourteen days and to monitor themselves for symptoms.
- Caring for yourself at home(you have to stay home): Because there is currently no cure for the virus, NICD recommends that a positive person who is in isolation rests at home, drink lots of fluids during the day and may also take over-the-counter medication if they have a fever.
- Monitoring symptoms : the patient must monitor their symptoms well and should call a health worker if the following emergency symptoms surface and be rushed to hospital in private transport:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Chest pains and pressure in the chest.
- Coughing blood.
- Becoming confused.
- Severe sleeplessness.
- Blue lips or face.
- The safety of those who live with you: if you live with other people the NICD recommends that you stay in a separate sick room or keep one area of the house at least two meters from your family members; wear a disposable face mask to prevent the virus from spreading. The following precautions must be adhered to:
- Bathroom/s should be cleaned and disinfected after every use if shared.
- If someone uses or cleans the bathroom the patient has used, they must wear personal protective equipment and gloves.
- The patient’s laundry and linen must be in a laundry bag.
- The sick person must avoid using areas like the kitchen at the same time with other people or remain in the sick room as far as possible.
- If you live with children, these precautions need to be followed to the book.
- Isolation: isolation can be ended after fourteen-days counting from the day a patient developed symptoms, members of their family are considered close contacts and should also remain in isolation for fourteen days.
According to the NICD and Health Department, majority of people will recover from the symptoms of the virus if they self-quarantine and take care of themselves from home; this is why the limited testing resources are reserved for people who show severe or emergency symptoms. In the event that you feel at risk, you can contact your nearest local clinic or hospital. There have been 133 774 tests conducted so far in the country with massive screening campaigns in vulnerable communities where the virus would have devastating effects.
Please use the following contacts and resources for more information and updates on the coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 Public Updates Toll-free 0800 029 999
WhatsApp Support Line: 0600123456
Source: https://www.nicd.ac.za/
Complied by: Gladys Matasane
