The National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD) in South Africa has a clearly laid out plan for the testing, control, management and treatment of suspicious and proven cases. This has been communicated to all doctors.

Grahamstown’s High Street Practice is part of the viral watch programme that screens people who are sick, and people who are not obviously sick in order to detect cases early. Dr Evans and I are in communication with them.

The principles for protection are hand washing, sneezing/coughing into the crook of your elbow (not your hands because then you touch something and spread the infection).  Much debate about mask wearing leaves everyone confused… But it is droplet spread so a mask that catches droplets that leave the mouth and nose will decrease the spread.

Unless someone has a confirmed / highly suspicious case of COVID-19 (travel history or known contact) the N95 masks are not necessary / recommended.

Click here for:  Quick reference for health workers

Dr Eleanor Galpin

KOSRA WORKING FOR YOU!