Let’s all play our part in combating spread of Covid
THERE was always a danger that the relatively low number of confirmed Covid-19 infections and deaths in Zimbabwe last year compared to the huge numbers in many other countries would engender a sense of complacency.
Some people were convinced that this was a disease for other countries and not one that we in Zimbabwe should be unduly concerned about. Others believed it was no worse than the flu.
Many young people were not worried about catching the virus because it is mainly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions who are worst affected by it. ey were apparently unconcerned that, if infected, they would spread the virus to others, some of whom might be elderly or vulnerable.
Many people did not bother to wear masks or only put them on to gain access to shops or when approaching a police roadblock. Many who wore masks did not wear them properly, failing to cover their noses and mouths.
On New Year’s Eve some people gathered to see the New Year at various venues, not only at the well-publicised event in Mbare but at some night spots in the northern suburbs of Harare, despite the ban on such events.
It was inevitable that the number of infections and deaths would eventually escalate, resulting in the need for Zimbabwe to go into a full lockdown again.
Confirmed Covid-19 infections and deaths almost doubled in the two months prior to the lockdown. e number of new infections and even deaths keeps rising every day. e country’s healthcare institutions are under pressure as the number of Covid-19 positive patients requiring medical attention continues to rise. Many Covid-19 centres are full to capacity.
Whether or not the lockdown ends after 30 days or is extended will depend largely on how well we observe the basic rules to protect ourselves and others from Covid-19 infection. It will depend on how well the spread of the virus is contained, which depends on whether all or at least most of the population adhere to these preventative measures.
Are we among those helping stem the spread of the disease by observing these measures or among those contributing to its spread by failing to observe them?
Preventative measures
e measures are simple. Stay at home during the lockdown, unless you are working for an essential service or need to buy food or medicine or seek medical treatment. Appreciate that police roadblocks are part of the effort to combat the disease, not challenges to find ways around them.
Wear a mask in public places, ensuring your nose and mouth are covered. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, especially if you have been out or in contact with others. Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
New strains
New faster spreading strains of the coronavirus have been detected in several countries, with new strains first detected in the United Kingdom and South Africa. It is probably only a matter of time before they reach us, if they have not already.
Many countries are experiencing a second wave of the coronavirus and more daily infections and fatalities than before. Many have gone into full lockdown or implemented a full lockdown in badly affected regions.
While vaccinations have begun in some countries, it will take time for significant numbers of people to be vaccinated.
Meantime the virus is spreading more rapidly than before, necessitating lockdowns even in some of these countries. It is now more important than ever before to observe the anti-Covid-19 guidelines and encourage others to do the same.
Spread of the virus
Covid-19 is spread via droplets exhaled by an infected person who may or may not be displaying symptoms. ese droplets may remain in the air for some time. When they land on various surfaces they contaminate these surfaces, which may remain contaminated for hours or even days.
e droplets are exhaled when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even just speaks or sings. ey can be inhaled by others, who then become infected. e risk of this happening is reduced through mask wearing and keeping a social distance of at least a metre but preferably two metres or more between you and the next person.
e virus can also be caught by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Hence the importance of frequent hand washing or sanitising.
Common surfaces that may become contaminated include handrails, door handles, computer keypads, telephones, desks, tables and work surfaces.
Symptoms
Most people have only mild or no symptoms. A dry cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing are severe symptoms.
Other symptoms include fever, body chills, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat and loss of taste or smell.
If you suspect you may have been exposed to Covid-19 or experience some of the symptoms, stay at home and take remedies that can help relieve them.
If the symptoms are severe you need to contact your healthcare provider, especially if you have trouble breathing or persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
Other reasons to seek medical assistance include experiencing confusion that you did not have before or if your lips or face are bluish. ese are both emergency warning signs. e Ministry of Health and Child Care has a Covid-19 toll-free hotline number.
e number to call is 2019. Cimas also has doctors on call during this Covid-19 pandemic who can be reached on 0867 740 0500.
If you think you may have the virus and are living with other people you should keep at least two metres away from them to protect them.
If you need to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue, which you then dispose of, or into the inside of your elbow. oroughly wash your hands afterwards. Make sure you wash them frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser with at least 90% alcohol.
Make sure you do not share personal items, such as towels, bedding and eating utensils, cups and glasses to avoid spreading the coronavirus. We all need to play our part in preventing the spread of this coronavirus. We need to be part of its prevention, not part of the problem.
e information in this article is provided as a public service by the Cimas iGo Wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. It is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. — igo@cimas. co.zw or WhatsApp 0772 161 829 or phone 024-2773 0663.