Two more case of COVID-19 confirmed in the Western Cape – Total Now Three

As per protocol, the National Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhize, announced two more laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19, commonly referred to as the Coronavirus, in the Western Cape - bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the province to three.

Case 2 - A 50-year-old male in the City of Cape Town, presented himself to his private doctor on 10 March after developing flu-like symptoms and a recent international travel history to Europe.

Case 3 - A 45-year old man in City of Cape Town tested positive after he also presented himself to a private facility on 11 March 2020 matching the case definition also with recent international travel history to Europe.

As per set procedures, the treating doctors advised them to self-isolate at home until the laboratory tests could be confirmed. Positive tests from a private laboratory confirmed the results on 12 March 2020 and have been provided to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases as required.

The two new cases as well as the first remain in self-isolation at home and will be monitored regularly for 14 days. While 134 cases have already been tested (3 positive) the Department will not release any information about the patients, as this is against the law, and we ask the public to respect their privacy while they recover. Their care is of utmost importance.

Our Response team has been activated with health authorities in association with NICD, and the team is following up all the known contacts of this patient, including those on the flights. They will be followed up and monitored for the next two weeks, as per the World Health Organisation guidelines.

The Joint Operations Centre (JOC) has been activated and had its second engagement and have established 7 work-streams. The work-streams will ensure our preparedness adopts a whole of society approach and a coordinated response to COVID-19.

We realise the public are concerned but we want to assure you that we are following all international protocols in the response. It is important that we stay calm and follow the direction of the NICD, regarding testing and, if necessary, isolation.

It is advisable to delay or avoid non-essential travel to affected areas if you are sick, in particular for elderly travellers and people with chronic diseases or underlying health conditions. General recommendations for personal hygiene, cough etiquette and keeping a distance of at least one metre from persons showing symptoms remain particularly important for all travellers.

Should you develop flu-like symptoms after visiting a country or area where COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person in the community OR had close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 stay calm. Remember even if you do have COVID-19 most people have a mild illness.

It’s important to seek care in a way that prevents you from potentially spreading it to others:

• If you have access to private healthcare call your general doctor/ local health facility or NICD Hotline on 0800 029 999. Explain your symptoms and where you have travelled or with whom you have had contact.
• If you use public healthcare call your local health facility or NICD Hotline on 0800 029 999. You will receive advice on what to do. If you are unable to make a call, go to your local facility. Before you enter the facility alert staff that you are concerned you have COVID-19. Expect to be asked to put on a facemask. You will be asked to wait separately from other patients until a health worker can help you. This is to avoid the risk of the virus spreading.

Should you develop difficulty breathing seek care urgently. If possible, call ahead to your local health facility to inform them you are en route.

Prevention

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

• Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub for at least 20 seconds. Wash hands often, especially before handling food/ after using toilet or coughing/ sneezing.
• Cover your cough or sneeze in the bend of elbow or with a tissue, once used throw away and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wearing a mask is unlikely to protect you if you are well. People who are coughing and sneezing who wear a mask (surgical mask fine, N95 not necessary) are less likely to infect others.
• Stay home if you feel unwell.

The following official channels contain important information and can be contacted:

• Provincial Facebook page: facebook.com/WCGHealth
• The provincial landing page for coronavirus information: https://westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus
• Public Hotline: 0800 029 999

ENDS