The world had been dealt a hard blow by a virus that started and spread in Wuhan, China in December last year. This has sent chills down the spine of the entire world as this virus, now known as the Corona Virus (Covid-19) began to spread to different parts of the world including South Africa.
The month of March 2020 became one of the busiest months in our country since President Cyril Ramaphosa was inaugurated on 25 May 2019. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced on the 1st of March 2020 that government had decided to repatriate those South Africans who had been studying or working in Wuhan, China.
A few days later, four days later to be exact, South Africa had its first reported positive case of the covid-19 infection, a 38-year-old Kwa-Zulu Natal resident who had travelled to Italy. He was part of a group of 10 other people who had travelled to Italy. This virus began to spread rapidly among South Africans.
The spread was rapid because the virus is transmitted quite easily:
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 1.8 meters).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
With South Africans living in close proximity, it was easy from this virus to spread quickly. The symptoms of this virus are similar to those of Influenza (Flu), with an increase in severity and respiratory problems, similar to pneumonia.
The symptoms may include:
Fever
Coughing
Shortness of breath
These may progress to:
Severe respiratory illness
Multiple organ failure
People with underlying medical conditions or a weak immune system may experience worse symptoms and even death.
Within four weeks from the initial case, South Africa had 709 positive cases. There are currently no deaths and there are 12 recoveries leaving us with 697 active cases.
President Cyril Ramaphosa made an announcement on Monday 23rd March 2020 at 19:30 p. m. that the country will be on a 21-day national lock-down from midnight on Thursday 26 March 2020 until midnight on Thursday 16 April 2020. This was a welcome decision by the government as this will minimise the person to person transmission of this virus.
Once again, South Africans are called to stand together in the fight against this virus and in true South African fashion, we responded. This is another sign that South Africa can handle its affairs well.
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