Western Cape Provincial Minister of Health Nomafrench Mbombo confirmed on Wednesday 18 March that she will now undergo a period of self-isolation after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus — quite a responsible thing to do we’d say.
Consul general of France in Cape Town Laurent Amar announced on Twitter that he tested positive for the coronavirus.
“Dear all, I have just been informed that I have been tested positive #covid19. Just want to share this with all potential contacts to break the chain of transmission and assure you that I will come back stronger soon,” the tweet read.
Mbombo replied to his tweet saying:
“I am one of your contacts, definitely. We have met more than 3 times in the last weeks. Strength to you. Now officially it means I must practice what we preach: self-quarantine immediately.”
In efforts to practice what health officials are curently preaching to everyone in South Africa, Mbombo said she would undergo self-isolation to contain a potential spread of the coronavirus.
I am one of your contacts, definitely. We have met more than 3 times in the last weeks. Strength to you . Now officially it means I must practice what we preach : self quarantine immediately . To be continued Cc @WestCapeHealth @DrZweliMkhize #Coronavirussouthafrica https://t.co/Bura0ilGqQ
— Dr French Mbombo (MPL) (@nomafrench) March 18, 2020
DA politicians to self-isolate due to coronavirus
According to the African News Agency (ANA), the Democratic Alliance (DA) on Wednesday announced that it was suspending all political activity involving close human contact.
“In the face of increasing transmission risk of the Covid-19 virus, the Democratic Alliance has taken the decision across the country to pause all political activity which involves human-to-human contact or close proximity between people,” DA federal chairman Ivan Meyer said.
“This pause, implying the cessation of party events and ground activity, is necessary to protect DA members and activists, and to avoid any chance of transmission of the virus through our work.”
What is self-isolation?
According to sanews.gov, self-isolation is a way to keep yourself from possibly infecting others if you think you might be infected with the coronavirus. It involves limiting contact with public places, relatives, friends, colleagues, and public transport.
The symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or fever. However, these are also symptoms of the flu. The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) recommends that you should only get tested if you display symptoms plus:
- Been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 person;
- Travelled to a high-risk country;
- Worked in or been to a healthcare facility treating people with Covid-19;
- Have a severe case of pneumonia with an unknown cause; and
- However, one should consult your medical practitioner immediately if you display symptoms.
If you think you might have contracted the coronavirus, you can call the NICD helpline at 0800 029 999 and you will be advised on possible testing facilities. However, testing is not routinely done unless testing is indicated by a health professional therefore one would need to be assessed by your medical practitioner in order to qualify for testing.
Source: The South African Read More
