The City of Cape Town says they are ready to tackle the Covid-19 coronavirus and have called on the public not to panic.
Mayco member for health, Dr Zahid Badroodien, explains that the virus is part of a large family of coronaviruses that are common in people and many different species of animals.
The virus is spread mainly from person-to-person through sneezing, coughing and touching affected surfaces.
An infection may present with fever, coughing and shortness of breath with at least 80% of the cases being mild in nature.
He says staff at City health facilities are trained and equipped to deal with an outbreak.
“We would like to reassure our residents that the City is working closely with the lead agencies involved, to ensure a coordinated and effective response, if required,” he says.
“We’ve also seen a run on items like hand sanitiser in stores, but soap - when correctly used - is actually more effective.”
Hand sanitizers and detergents flying off the shelves at various stores. Picture: Thobile Mathonsi/African News Agency(ANA)
Here are some tips from the World Health Organisation:
* Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
* Make sure you and the people around you follow good cough hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, as droplets that come out of your nose or mouth can carry germs.
* Throw the tissue in a bin immediately and wash your hands.
* If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve.
* Avoid close contact with people who have a fever and a cough.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with soap and water.