Frequently Asked Questions - Coronavirus COVID-19

Symptoms include ANY of the following respiratory symptoms: cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, anosmia (loss of sense of smell), dysgeusia (alteration of the sense of taste) with or without other symptoms (which may include fever, weakness, myalgia, or diarrhoea)

The severity of illness can range from people who are infected without any illness (asymptomatic infection) to mild respiratory illness, to severe illness requiring admission to hospital or death. The majority of patients (approximately 80%) will have mild respiratory illness. (Source: NICD)

The virus is very susceptible to common anti-bacterial cleaning agents such as bleach, and alcohol-based cleaners (60% volume). Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Maintain at least 1 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands.

Self-isolation is a way to keep yourself from possibly infecting others if you think you might be infected. It involves limiting contact with public places, relatives, friends, colleagues, and public transport.

The symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or fever.  However, these are also symptoms of the flu. The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) recommends that you should only get tested if you display symptoms plus:

• Been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 person;
• Travelled to a high risk country;
• Worked in or been to a healthcare facility treating people with Covid-19;
• Have a severe case of pneumonia with an unknown cause.

However, one should consult your medical practitioner immediately if you display symptoms.

If you think you might have contracted the virus, you can call the NICD helpline (0800 029 999) and you will be advised on possible testing facilities. However, testing is not routinely done unless testing is indicated by a health professional therefore one would need to be assessed by your medical practitioner in order to qualify for testing.

As from 21 February 2022 the following guidelines have been issued:

Isolation for Asymptomatic COVID infection

People with asymptomatic COVID-19 infection do not need to isolate. However they should be advised to:

• Wear a mask whenever interacting with people, for the next 5 days from the date of the test
• Avoid social gatherings (3 or more people) for 5 days from date of test
• Avoid being with others socially in indoor spaces, for 5 days from date of test
• Specifically avoid socially interacting with the elderly (>60 years) and anyone with co-morbidities (diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, uncontrolled HIV, immunocompromised), for 5 days from date of test.

Isolation for Mild Symptomatic COVID-19 infection

Those with symptomatic COVID infection who have mild disease (they do not require hospitalisation for COVID pnuemonia) should isolate for 7 days from the date of start of symptoms. There is no need for testing prior to de-isolation.

If your condition worsens, please seek medical help as soon as possible. 

Public sector testing is free of charge. Private laboratories such as Lancet, Ampath and Pathcare can also test for SARS-CoV-2. Enquiry should be with the respective laboratory for their costing of the test. If going via a private lab, it is advisable to check with your medical aid to ascertain if they will cover the costs for the test.

There is no specific treatment available for SARS-CoV-2. Treatment is supportive (e.g. providing oxygen for patients with shortness of breath or managing a fever). Antibiotics do not treat viral infections. However, antibiotics may be required if a secondary bacterial infection develops. Currently there is a vaccine being developed.

The following hospitals have also been identified as centres for isolation and treatment of people infected with Coronavirus:

• Polokwane Hospital in Limpopo;
• Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mpumalanga;
• Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, Steve Biko Hospital and Tembisa Hospitals in Gauteng;
• Grace Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal;
• Klerksdorp Hospital in the North West;
• Kimberly Hospital in the Northern Cape;
• Pelonomi Hospital in the Free State;
• Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape; and
• Tygerberg Hospital in the Western Cape.

Anyone who is sick or displaying symptoms should not go to school or work. If you have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, you should self-isolate for 14 days from the date of close contact. If you are concerned, contact your medical practitioner for further advice.

Protocols have been developed and distributed to provinces and districts in the country. However, it is especially important to encourage children and staff to take every day preventative actions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. This includes staying at home when sick, washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol and cleaning frequently touched surfaces. If children do become ill, they should be strictly isolated at home. In situations where the child or staff member becomes sick at school, they should be separated from healthy students and staff until sick students and staff can be sent home.

PCR is gold standard for COVID-19 testing. Molecular method that that detects genetic material from the virus and is very accurate but results take about 24 hours. Antigen tests are cheaper and give a result in about 15 minutes but are less accurate.

They are more accurate tests.

We didn't stop capturing antigen tests on daily statistics. Antigen tests have been reported since the antigen testing was added. These are additional tests where there was a delay in capture of the antigen test results or new tests were used and the test codes had not been added to the system.

As above. Antigen tests have always been reported, these are retrospective tests that had not been previously reported onto the national line list.

(1) The sale of liquor -
(a) by a licensed premises for off-site consumption is only permitted from 10H00 to 18H00, from Mondays to Thursdays, excluding Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and
(b) by a licensed premises for on-site consumption is permitted until 20H00.

(2) The provisions of subregulation (1)(a) do not apply to duty-free shops at international airports which are permitted to operate in accordance with their operating license.

(3) The consumption of liquor in public places, except in licensed on-site consumption premises, is not permitted.

(4) Registered wineries, wine farms, micro-breweries and micro-distilleries may continue to operate in offering wine-tastings and other brew-tastings, and the selling of wine and other brews to the public for off-site and on-site consumption is permitted until 20HOO and further subject to strict adherence to social distancing measures and health protocols.

(5) The transportation of liquor is permitted.

The wearing of a face mask remains mandatory for every person when in a public place, excluding a child under the age of six years. You do not have to wear a face mask if you are undertaking vigorous exercise in a public place, provided that the you maintain a distance of at least one and a half metres from any other person. You must also practice physical and social distancing. Physical distancing means keeping a physical distance of at least 1.5 metres from all people you interact with, specifically when out in public, this keeps you safe from respiratory droplets. While social distancing means not interacting with people outside of your household unless necessary. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 70% alcohol).

The sale, dispensing and distribution of alcohol is prohibited, for both onsite and offsite consumption – this prohibition will ease the pressure that is placed on hospital services by alcohol-related emergency incidents.  The transportation of alcohol is prohibited, except where alcohol is required for industries producing hand sanitizers, disinfectants, soap, alcohol for industrial use and household cleaning products.

The Adjusted Alert Level 4 regulations allow for most economic activity to continue, you are permitted to go to work if you are unable to work remotely; retail stores will remain open; factories, mines, farms and other businesses are permitted to continue operating.

Any person who incites, instigates, commands, or procures any other person to commit any offence in terms of these Regulations, commits an offence and is, on conviction, liable to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and imprisonment.

You can call your local police or law enforcement agencies to report any Alert Level 4 transgressions.

The declaration allows governments to activate preparedness plans and undertake emergency procedures to protect the public, such as travel and trade restrictions.

Generally, the WHO will declare a pandemic when there is sustained community outbreaks on different continents.

The WHO last declared in 2009 for the H1N1 flu.

An outbreak is a sudden rise in cases of a disease in a particular place. An epidemic is a large outbreak. A pandemic means a global epidemic.

A pandemic has nothing to do with how serious an illness is. It just means a disease is spreading widely and at an alarming rate.

The Coronaviruses is spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is important to always rinse the food with water and wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds for general food safety.

It is possible that one may touch the SARS-CoV-2 virus while handling packages contaminated by the virus however, one may only contract the virus or be affected by it when the virus comes into contact with your mucosal membranes (mouth, tongue or nose) thus entering your body. This is not the main means of transmission. Inhaling respiratory droplets is the main way the virus spreads.

The virus does not survive well on surfaces, therefore there is a lower risk of it spreading from products or packages that are shipped or delivered over a period of time.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus does not survive well in warmer climates. It is therefore expected to thrive in the colder winter seasons.

Those at higher risk of contracting the virus include the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions or a compromised immune system. Chronic conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and lung disease amongst others.

If you are at higher risk of getting the virus, you should take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others. When you go out, try to avoid unnecessary contact, non-essential travel and exposure to others who are sick. Wash your hands often, avoid crowds and if there is an outbreak in your community, consider staying home and limiting contact to essential people.

No. According to the WHO, there is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19. However, it is good practice to wash your hands after being around animals.

It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).

If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Self-monitor for any symptom onset such as fever, cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing. If any should arise, seek medical attention. Otherwise practice adequate hygiene and be aware of possible asymptomatic transmission.

Be aware of fake news reporting, ensuring credible resources from the WHO, CDC or NICD are only shared. Speak out against negative behaviours and negative social media statements stereotyping various individuals.

Ensure personal hygiene and good health practices such as cough and sneeze etiquette.

Get the recent flu vaccine to ensure your immune system is at optimal capacity.

Express your appreciation to healthcare workers who are on the frontline taking care of patients and helping make sure this disease does not spread further.

The Department of Water and Sanitation will provide emergency water in rural areas, informal settlements and public areas.

The Department will increase the provision of water and sanitation in high-density public areas, informal settlements and rural areas.

The Department will also ensure that rural areas and informal settlements are provided with water tanks and standpipes, to increase access to water for residents.

Water tanks and sanitizers will also be provided in public spaces including taxi ranks, train and bus stations, and other areas where people congregate.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will be implementing safety and precautionary measures to combat Covid-19 epidemic as per national government directive by the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, on Sunday March 15, 2020. A follow-up briefing was held by various Department’s Ministers, including the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Dr Blade Nzimande outlining the impact, holistic measures and approach in support of the national plan. NSFAS has developed preventative measures to lower the risk of spreading the virus. 

NSFAS is cognisant of the fact that students may be concerned that the current pandemic will affect the allocation of their funding. We can firmly confirm that NSFAS is implementing measures to ensure that payments and processing of applications is not affected. We will continue to focus on ensuring business continuity and adequate support for our stakeholders who require assistance during this time. 

As from Tuesday 17 March 2020 NSFAS staff members will be segmented into priority groups to lower human interaction at the NSFAS Wynberg (Cape Town) Head office, 50% of staff members will be required to report to the office and limit contact amongst each other. Although the NSFAS Contact Centre will be reducing the number of staff members the interaction on alternative platforms will be greatly strengthened. 

Clients, students and applicants are encouraged to engage NSFAS on the online platforms prior to attempt to call the Contact Centre. The above strategy enables the organisation to continue the allocation of alrfunding, protect staff members and their families, as well as the students. 

The following alternative communication channels will be available from 08h30 to 17h00, Monday to Friday. 

• NSFAS Connect via MyNSFAS account
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
• Twitter: MyNSFAS
• Instagram: MyNSFAS

For the foreseeable future, NSFAS will also limit local travel for all NSFAS employees. Government and business stakeholders will preferably be contacted using alternative channels of engagement as and when required. We will continue to communicate with the public through our online platforms to provide the latest funding progress updates. 

In accordance with the pronouncement by the President on 15 March 2020, schools were closed from 18 March 2020 and started re-opening from 1 June 2020.

As announced by Presidenty Cyril Ramaphosa on 23 July public schools will be closed from 27 July to 24 August except for:

• Grade 12 learners will return on 3 August
• Grade 7 learners will return on 10 August

The School calendar has information of opening of schools.

We are going to lose 10 school days as a result of the school closures.

To compensate for lost days the June holidays will be cut short by a week. Once opened schools will be encouraged to extend tuition hours.

This directive is binding on all schools; public ordinary schools, independent schools and private.

A number of steps are being taken to ensure that education is not compromised.

Each province, district, circuit and school must have a practical and comprehensive catch-up plan to be implemented.

Schools have been urged to give learners work they can do at home with the supervision of parents.

Schools are also encouraged to give learners workbooks and worksheets to be used to keep learners active on curriculum based initiatives. 

Parents must play their part in the education of their children.

The school enrichment programmes will also be affected by the arrangements. The Department of Basic Education will this week provide guidelines on how the school enrichment programmes are going to be managed because we want to ensure that those in matric in particular are not disadvantaged.

All Social Development, NDA offices and SASSA pay points remain operational during this period.

All facilities are adhering to Occupation Health and Safety guidelines and to ensure that basic protective measures against the virus.

In line with President Ramaphosa’s declaration, the Disaster Relief Fund has been activated to provide immediate assistance to affected individuals and families. An amount of R96 million is available from the Fund.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is exploring various options to ensure that pay points, including the South African Post Office (SAPO), implement precautionary measures. This will assist in minimizing and mitigating the spread of the virus as these facilities become overcrowded during pay days.

One of the proposals SASSA is currently considering is the staggering of payment dates to avoid gathering of large numbers of people at South African Post Offices. This is in line with the disaster management plan regulations.

All social service professionals will provide psychosocial care and support services to affected individual and their families.

This includes trauma counselling, integration and re-unification of persons who have been isolated/quarantined to mitigate stigmatisation.

ECD centres will close on 18 March 2020. Parents/caregivers are advised to make alternative care arrangements during this period.

There is a suspension, until further notice, of all external visits to Child and Youth Care Centres, drug rehabilitation and treatment centres, shelters and old age centres

These are critical stakeholders in the provision of social services. They must continue playing their part by disseminating correct information to members of the public.

Prolonged use of any face mask has not been shown to cause carbon dioxide toxicity or lack of adequate oxygen in healthy people. Healthcare workers routinely wear masks for prolonged periods while performing their duties.

Cloth masks provide an additional layer of protection by reducing the number of microorganisms that a person releases into the air. Mass mask wearing will ensure that fewer potential viral droplets are released into the air.Wearing amask reduces the risk that someone will be exposed to the virus.

The human remains of a person who has died from coronavirus are considered contagious and should be kept only in designated mortuaries. Under no circumstances shall the human remains be directly handled, whether for aesthetic, hygiene preparations, cultural or religious reasons. Human remains shall be placed in transparent leak proof double body bags and sealed. A third non-transparent and unsealed bag must be added when the body is moved. The third bag should have handles and an appropriate BIOHAZARD warning tag written "Hazard Group 4 Pathogens" before being transported to mortuary.

No one is allowed to exhume a body for any reason unless they have permission from the relevant authorities to do so. If someone wants to exhume a body for any reason it must be done with permission to ensure everyone’s safety

The current measures are temporary and have been enacted to protect our nation and her people. Our freedoms will never be at risk and are protected by the Constitution, Bill of Rights and our commitment to the rule of law and democracy and freedom.

The fast development and approval of vaccines is a great human feat worthy of celebration. It this has been possible because we have learnt over many decades how to make and test vaccines and we were able to take those lessons and challenge ourselves to produce a vaccine much quicker.

No step in the development, testing or ratification of the COVID-19 vaccines has been skipped. The world was able to develop vaccines fast because scientists and governments around the world collaborated in a manner that has never been achieved before and pooled resources and information to ensure that everyone can contribute to the knowledge. This allowed us to move much quicker than we have done before. The socio-economic devastation the virus is causing is what has motivated developers to move with urgency without compromising on quality standards.

Vaccines work by stimulating the body the same way the virus would if someone were infected.

That means when you receive the vaccine the body then recognises that it looks like the coronavirus and then it releases certain chemicals that start a chain reaction to make immune cells that can fight the real virus.

The vaccine does not work on the DNA of the body.

Some people think that because some of the vaccines are made using RNA technology that means the RNA will interact with the DNA - that is not how it works. The technology is simply the way the vaccine is made - not what it will do to the body.

There is no vaccine "microchip" and there is no evidence to support claims that such a move is planned. Receiving a vaccine will not allow people to be tracked and personal information would not be entered into a database.

The COVID-19 crisis has caused massive upheaval across the globe and no nation has been spared. A vaccine represents the best hope to save lives and to restore our way of life; many governments have therefore entered into direct talks with vaccine makers to ensure a timeous supply of vaccines.

Government is committed to saving lives and livelihoods. The fastest way to return to our way of life is through ensuring that the majority of the population is protected from the virus. Vaccines are the simplest and most effective way to do this.

The World Health Organisation has made it clear that viruses cannot travel on radio waves/mobile networks. It is also a fact that COVID-19 is spreading in many countries that do not have 5G mobile networks.

COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. People can also be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their eyes, mouth or nose.

Vaccines are made to save lives and are made by technology. They have no connection with any religious organisations and cannot be infused with spirits, demons or other abstract ingredients. There is no conspiracy to possess, bewitch or control anybody.

Bill Gates, through his foundation with his wife The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have joined thousands of other organisations worldwide to help combat COVID-19. As government we are always careful to work together with organisations and people that share our ideals and aspirations for South African people. Our sovereignty and our people will never be compromised even as we work together with various entities all over the world.

The devastation of colonialisation and apartheid is still very much alive in the consciousness of our leaders and our people - government would never allow a situation where any country or nation would be allowed to oppress our people through any means.

Scientists and governments all over the world, including our own, have contributed to the knowledge that has led to the development of the vaccines. It has not just been the work of Western and rich countries but a global collaboration.

Vaccines are a way of liberating all of us from the socioeconomic devastation of COVID-19, which we have all suffered globally.