THINK before you shake!

While we all might be aware of the new Corona virus, it's not to say everybody knows everything about it nor how to protect themselves against it. If you happen to be one of those people that don't, this is for you.

The Western Cape has its first confirmed case of the Corona-virus, according to Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhize. It is for this reason that we should be even more cautious about COVID-19, commonly know as the Corona-virus. One of the most important things to remember is NOT to cause panic by any means, whether it be in casual conversation,jokes or by spreading fake news. There are very simple ways that you as a citizen can protect yourself and those around you from contracting this virus. 

They include:

• Washing your hands ( soap, when used is more effective)

• Maintaining a safe social distancing

• Avoiding touching yours eyes, nose and mouth

• Practice respiratory hygiene

• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

• Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider

The City's Mayco Member for Community Services and Health,Zahid Badroodien is also reassuring us that they are working closely with the lead agencies involved to ensure effective response. It is important to remember that it is not okay to stigmatize or associate the virus with a particular race, age or gender. So should you find yourself in a position where you do have to talk about COVID-19 these are some do's and dont's:

DO'S:

•  talk about the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• 
  

   talk about “people who have COVID-19”
•  talk about people “acquiring” or “contracting” COVID-19

DO NOT'S:

•  attach locations or ethnicity to the disease, this is not a “Wuhan Virus”, “Chinese Virus” or “Asian Virus”. The official name for the disease was deliberately chosen to avoid stigmatization  the “co” stands for Corona, “vi” for virus and “d” for disease, 19 is because the disease emerged in 2019.

•  refer to people with the disease as “COVID-19 cases” or “victims”

•  talk about people “transmitting COVID-19” “infecting others” or “spreading the virus” as it implies intentional transmission and assigns blame.

Where do you go should there be an emergency you may ask. Below is a list of the designated hospitals in South Africa.

Western Cape:– Tygerberg Hospital

Gauteng:– Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital,– Steve Biko Academic Hospital

KwaZulu-Natal:– Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg

Limpopo:– Polokwane Hospital

Mpumalanga:– Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela

Free State:– Pelonomi Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein

North West:– Klerksdorp Hospital

Northern Cape:– Kimberley Hospital

Eastern Cape:– Livingstone Hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay (PE)

Should you want additional information you can visit numerous resources that have been made available to the public regarding Covid-19. 

• The NICD Hotline on 0800 029 999 operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/health
• www.nicd.ac.za

Done by: Erin Johnson, Bush Radio team