COVID-19 in South Africa

Due to COVID-19, the country has been on full lockdown since midnight, last Thursday, with citizens being allowed only to leave their homes to go to the shops for “essential items” and seek medical care. President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation last Monday, with regard to the government’s decisions on what has to be done in an attempt to ‘flatten the curve’ of the outbreak. Other countries, like Italy, failed to act timeously resulting in many deaths and a staggering infection rate. Italy has announced a lockdown of the entire country and its services until the end of July. 

President Ramaphosa announced that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) would assist police to enforce a national lockdown after South Africa was declared to be in a state of emergency. The lockdown will last for 21 days until midnight, 16 April 2020.

In accordance with the terms of the Disaster Management Act, essential goods and services have been given the go-ahead to operate. These services include grocery stores, pharmaceutical companies and certain delivery and government services. All hospitals and medical assistance providers are open and fully functional. 

Pensioners and other individuals who receive a government grant will be able to collect funds from 30 March. 

Fake News Regarding COVID-19

Anyone found to be spreading fake news regarding the Coronavirus could face heavy penalties, including fines and jail time. 

Government has warned citizens that “Anyone who creates or spreads fake news about the Coronavirus COVID-19 is liable for prosecution. Verify the information before you share information.” It has stipulated many rules regarding the outbreak and how people are spreading rumours about it on social media.  

Since the outbreak, many fake circulars have made rounds, all donning official logos of various government departments. 

Be sure to get your news on COVID-19 from official government sites and approved news agencies. 

We also have a dedicated COVID-19 page on our website with verified news and information.

COVID-19 Infection rates 

The current infection rate surpassed 1000 cases over the weekend. Gauteng has the most confirmed cases in South Africa.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize reported that the country had confirmed more deaths from COVID-19. It was earlier reported that there had already been two deaths, both women from the Western Cape, but this was later rectified, as the second death was not owing to the coronavirus, but another respiratory condition.

“The 74-year-old male had been in ICU and on ventilation in a private hospital in Ladysmith. He had travelled to the Kruger National Park with his family and came back with flu-like symptoms. He was confirmed to be COVID-19 positive on 27 March 2020. It was reported to us that the deceased patient had an underlying skin cancer condition (melanoma), which had already been complicated”, he said in a statement to the local media.

Government has since confirmed more deaths, and the number is feared to continue growing. 

Social isolation

Social distancing and social isolation have been the recommended methods to flatten the curve of infection rates. Limited contact with other people will reduce the number of new infections. This means that people should minimise the time spent in public spaces, even going to the shop to get necessities, or even going to the doctor. 

A telehealth facility is invaluable in a time of social isolation. This allows you to seek medical attention without a) putting yourself at risk of catching the coronavirus and b) minimising the risk of you infecting others who may be immunodeficient. 

Telehealth for COVID-19

If you aren’t feeling well and would like to chat with a healthcare professional, you can call our telehealth line and a Primary Healthcare Provider will assist you. 

Our Healthcare Professionals will assess the level of risk and severity of your symptoms, prescribe acute medication up to schedule 4 – according to Affinity Health benefits, as well as provide you with a sick note for up to two days.

They will also refer you to your nearest Department of Health testing centre for further intervention.

We will send your prescriptions to your nearest pharmacy for collection.

To consult a Healthcare Professional, please call 0861 11 00 33 during the following times:

Mondays to Fridays: 07:00 to 19:00

Saturdays: 07:00 to 14:00

Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed