Coronavirus (COVID-19): Social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine explained

President Ramaphosa announced that as of 15 March, South Africa has 61 confirmed cases of people infected with the virus, and this number is expected to rise in the coming days and weeks.

South Africa is now dealing with the internal transmission of the virus. This prompted Cabinet to take urgent and drastic measures to manage the disease, protect the people of South Africa and reduce the impact of the virus.

One of the measures taken is to encourage social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine. Social distancing refers to limiting public gatherings as much as possible. Self-isolation is more for people who are sick, test positive for Coronavirus, have been in contact with a Coronavirus patient and need to be quarantined. In addition to the hospitals that are set-up to deal with the Coronavirus, the government will be setting up isolation and quarantine sites in all districts and metros.

Here’s how you can play your part:

• Do not leave your house unless it’s essential.
• Do not attend school or classes as of Wednesday, 18 March until after Easter.
• Do not attend gatherings of more than 100 people (where small gatherings are unavoidable, organisers will need to put in place stringent measures of prevention and hygiene control).

• Do not visit any correctional service centres for 30 days.
• Have your supplies delivered to your home instead of going out to malls and supermarkets or running errands.
• If you have to go grocery shopping, go when it’s not busy or packed.
• Do not use public transport where possible.
• Wear a mask and keep a 2-metre distance between yourself and others when you are in public.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (20 seconds or more) or use hand sanitizer

• Greet people using your elbows or feet.
• Keep your house as clean as possible and disinfect utensils, surfaces, floors and furniture.
• Avoid using the same utensils and bathroom facilities as a sick person.
• Make sure you disinfect your bathroom area as droplets can be transmitted from shared sinks etc.

• Open windows and doors to let fresh air inside at all times.
• Avoid going out to restaurants, clubs, malls and other public spaces.
• Check on your loved ones through social media and your smartphone.
• Hold out on any non-essential physical socialising like going on a date or partying with friends.
• Cancel any playdates and playground time for the kids.

If you’re feeling sick or suspect you might have contracted Coronavirus, please contact NICD helpline (0800 029 999) and you will be advised on possible testing facilities.

Don't hesitate to call the toll-free number to alleviate any fear you might have regarding #COVID19 #CoronaVirusInSA #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/O73RewcgtK

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) March 15, 2020

For more info on Coronavirus and recent developments in SA, visit the government info site.