Category: COVID-19 Corona Virus

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has confirmed that children are less likely to die of COVID-19, while the disease is usually mild among school-going kids, aged between five and 18.

Even though Coronavirus may be less severe in children compared to adults, the newly published NICD report has stressed the importance of implementing and strengthening non-pharmaceutical interventions.

These include wearing masks, physical distancing and hand washing or sanitising within schools to prevent children from contracting SARS-CoV2.

“The number of deaths in this population is small but any severe illness in children in this age group is concerning, and steps to minimise COVID-19 transmission, such as physical distancing and use of masks, should be consistently applied where possible, even among children,” the report said.

The NICD said the data highlights that the burden of COVID-19 disease is lower in young children compared to adults.

“Among the COVID-19 admissions in children, the median age at admission was lower than that among all diagnosed cases younger than 18 years, which may suggest that severe disease may be more common among younger children or that clinicians are more likely to admit younger children as a precaution.”

The research also found newborns may have been warded for birth-related complications or precautionary reasons, rather than COVID-19-related illness.

The NICD said asthma was the most frequently reported comorbidity in infected children, followed by current and past tuberculosis.

However, the analysis shows that the children who lost their lives had other severe comorbidities and the role of COVID-19 in disease progression is unclear, the NICD explained.

“COVID-19 is uncommon in South African children, including among school-going children aged five to 18 years and when it occurs, it is milder than in adults.”

The NICD said this was encouraging now that schools are preparing to welcome more grades from 6 July.

“Describing the epidemiology of COVID-19 in children in South Africa is important to inform prevention strategies of COVID-19 and to assist policymakers in making informed decisions about enforcing or relaxing some of the COVID-19 prevention regulations currently in place or being planned, such as the reopening of schools.”

According to the Department of Health’s recent statistics released on Wednesday, of the 2 749 COVID-19 related deaths recorded since the outbreak, three are children between the ages of zero and nine, while seven are between 10 and 19 years.

If you’ve been waiting a long time for a parcel from the Post Office, the State-owned postal service says it is experiencing hold-ups due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“The SA Post Office would like to advise its customers that mail processing does not take place at the normal rate under lockdown 3 regulations, leading to delays, particularly in international items,” spokesperson Johan Kruger said.

Kruger said they currently have a third of their workforce owing to regulations governing social distancing on their sorting floor at mail processing facilities.

“As a result, crewing is not optimal and processing takes longer than usual.”

Kruger said transport to and from other countries is irregular and some international flights are still prohibited, which has a knock-on effect on mail leaving the country.

“Although mail processing is not optimal, customers are assured that their items are not lost and will be delivered.

“The Post Office apologises for the inconvenience to customers and would like to thank them for their patience and understanding during these difficult times.”

As the country’s COVID-19 cases surpasses the 150 000 mark, President Cyril Ramaphosa will host a virtual Presidential Imbizo on Coronavirus where you can engage him.

By calling the community radio toll free line on 0800 142 446 or using #PresidentialImbizo on social media, citizens across the country can submit their questions on the Coronavirus and its impact directly to President Ramaphosa.

The Presidential Imbizo, which will take place at 18:00 on Wednesday 1 July 2020, is a public-participation platform where communities are able to interact directly with government on challenges in society and where citizens are able to engage on community-generated solutions to such challenges.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Presidential Imbizo will take the form of a virtual engagement.

The Presidential Imbizo will be broadcast live on more than 80 community radio stations, TV channels and social media and communities are invited to participate.

South Africa recorded its deadliest 24 hours since the Coronavirus outbreak, after 128 people succumbed to COVID-19 on Tuesday.

Of the new deaths, 52 are from the Western Cape, 36 from Gauteng, 25 from the Eastern Cape, 11 from KwaZulu-Natal and four from Mpumalanga,  bringing the death toll to 2 657.

The number of COVID-19 cases has increased by 6 945 as the infection rate rose to 151 209, the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said.

The Western Cape is the hardest-hit province, with 62 481 cases, followed by Gauteng with 42 881, Eastern Cape 27 686 and KwaZulu-Natal 9 674.

Gauteng’s cases grew by 3 040 since the last report and the province is expected to be the epicentre, overtaking the Western Cape in the next coming days.

The North West has 4 187 cases, Free State 1 514, Mpumalanga 1 190, Limpopo 1 131 and Northern Cape 465.

The Minister said 1 630 008 tests have been conducted since the outbreak.

According to the World Health Organisation, there are 10 185 374 cases globally and 503 862 deaths, with 3 946 having been recorded on Tuesday.

Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has urged the elderly and those living with comorbidities to take extra precaution, avoid leaving home and ensure their chronic conditions are managed.

Citing the National Institute for Communicable Diseases’ report released on 21 June, Mkhize said it confirmed that these population groups are most vulnerable.

“This report brings all these issues home and gives us a sense of the burden we have faced, how the system has coped and marries these lessons to the projections that have been modelled of the coming surge,” he said.

According to the NICD report, 10 700 COVID-19 patients have been admitted from 269 public and private facilities between 5 March and 21 June 2020.

The study revealed that the median age of COVID-19 admissions was 50 years, 338 were patients who are 18 years and younger and 1 386 older than 70, while 5 778 were female.

In addition, 8 245 patients had comorbid conditions, 2 810 had one and 3 126 had two or more underlying illnesses.

“Of the 5 836 patients who had a comorbid condition, the most commonly reported were hypertension 3 419 and diabetes 2 813 and there were 1 116 patients admitted with HIV, 240 with active tuberculosis and 579 patients with the previous history of tuberculosis.”

Clinicians also noted obesity as a risk factor in 297 patients.

“Of the 10 700 admissions, 3 260 patients were in the hospital at the time of the report, 5 925 patients were discharged alive or transferred out, and 1 515 patients had died,” Mkhize added.

Mkhize noted that some of the factors associated with in-hospital mortality were older age groups; male sex; and having comorbid hypertension, diabetes, chronic cardiac disease, chronic renal disease, malignancy, HIV and obesity.

“We wish to detail them for the public to demonstrate the connection between science and the recommendations that we make,” Mkhize said.

Facts about COVID-19 illness caused by SARS-CoV-2

Mkhize said he was pleased with how clinical and epidemiological knowledge around this disease has developed at an extraordinary rate.

Meanwhile, a vaccine has already advanced to the human trial phase, he said in his statement on Tuesday.

“This is how determined we are, collectively, to beat this virus and minimise its impact on us as humanity.”

The Minister said they are constantly learning more about the behaviour of the virus when it enters the body.

“We have since learnt that the virus is shed through the airways and spreads by infected droplets passing from one individual to another.”

Mkhize added that the virus has also been detected in saliva, tear fluid, stool, and men’s semen with acute infection and some male patients who have recovered.

“Having said that, sexual transmission of the virus has not been recorded,” he explained.

There have been intense studies into the duration expulsion and release of the virus as well as determining how long Coronavirus survives on surfaces.

The duration varies from hours to days depending on the severity of disease or the nature of the study itself.

He said COVID-19 ranges from asymptomatic or mild symptoms to severe illness and death.

“Symptoms may develop between two days and two weeks following exposure to the virus.”

Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 include fever and symptoms typical of a viral respiratory tract infection including coughing, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, nasal congestion, and even conjunctivitis.

“Further, gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are also common with COVID-19.”

He said the virus could progress to cause lower respiratory tract infection resulting in, pneumonia and its complications.

“Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a serious complication of COVID-19. The lungs may become stiff and difficult to ventilate,” he said, adding that ARDS is associated with a high mortality rate.

Mkhize said there have been two major advancements in the case management of severely ill patients who require ventilator support.

“First is the advent of dexamethasone which has shown that deaths can be reduced by a third for patients on ventilators and can also help patients who only need supplemental oxygen.”

He said they are now recommending early administration of this drug to critically ill patients who require oxygen support.

“Evidence increasingly supports the avoidance of invasive ventilation strategies as far as possible.”

The Minister said they are expecting the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19 to issue advisories on the use of high flow oxygen for patients who are very ill but can be managed without intubation and ventilation.

Washing hands, cleaning surfaces and wearing a mask a must

Mkhize has once again emphasised the importance of frequent hand washing, avoidance of touching the face and cleaning of surfaces.

“We have recommended social distancing based on the fact that droplets traverse a certain distance from person to person.”

Also, wearing of facemasks reduces the amount of exhaled Coronavirus, he said.

“We also now know that one can shed the virus days before showing symptoms and for days after they recover from their symptoms – and so by wearing facemasks, one can literally save someone else from acquiring the virus. If that person is elderly or living with comorbidity, you can save that life.”

Mkhize emphasised the need to establish and keep new habits and turning them into traditions, customs and working lives forever.

“This is proving to be particularly difficult for South Africans to sustain and we appreciate that it is not easy to become accustomed to a new way of life,” he admitted.

The Minister said government was doing their best for the message to reach the people.

“These are the things that will prevent one from being admitted into hospital in the first place,” he said.

“But for those unfortunate ones who do become ill and need hospitalisation, we should be assured our doctors and nurses in facilities are doing a terrific job.”

He has praised the medical practitioners for keeping the morbidity and mortality rates lower than the global average.

No decision about another lockdown

According to Mkhize, there has not been any decision taken to have another lockdown.

“And certainly the National Coronavirus Command Council does not take lightly a decision of that nature. There may be a need in some areas for restrictions; it may not be national but localised. But no such decision has been taken as yet.”

He has pleaded with the public to work together to fight COVID-19.

“We are riding into the storm, but, together, we will prevail.”

The Passenger Rail Agency of SA (PRASA) today resumes limited operations after a COVID-19 enforced lockdown saw its operations ground to a halt in March.

In a statement, the agency uurged commuters to arrive at stations earlier than usual to accommodate time for screening and hand sanitisation on the premises.

During this period, PRASA says informal traders will not be allowed to operate outside the station gate, inside the station, on the platforms and inside the trains.

“Furthermore, no eating or drinking will be allowed inside the stations and trains,” said PRASA.

Passengers, who are exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19 will not be allowed inside the stations. They will be placed in a holding facility, where health authorities will attend to them.

“Commuters are urged not to travel if they are feeling unwell, but instead they should stay at home and seek medical advice,” said the agency.

The deep cleaning of operational trains, as well as high-volume areas at the stations, will be conducted on a continuous basis.

PRASA encouraged passengers to observe the one seat social distance markers inside the train, as well as the social distance markings next to the ticket office and at the platforms at all times.

“PRASA will strictly adhere to the COVID-19 hygiene protocols, which include social distancing on platforms and inside trains. The wearing of face masks covering the mouth and nose will also be strictly enforced,” said the agency.

Operationally, PRASA will gradually introduce a limited service nationally. As a start, only four lines in total will be operating, namely:

Gauteng – operating between Piennarspoort and Pretoria Stations.

– Morning peak service will be between 05:00 – 09:00.

– Afternoon peak service will be between 15:00 – 19:00.

Western Cape – operating between Cape Town and Retreat Stations.

– Morning peak service will be between 05:00 – 09:00.

– Afternoon peak period will be between 15:00 – 19:00.

Eastern Cape – operating the East London and Port Elizabeth lines, respectively.

– Morning peak will be between 05:15 – 08am.

– Afternoon peak will be between 15:30 till 18:40pm.

Plans are underway to welcome back more pupils to schools across the country as the Basic Education Department continues with its phased reopening of schools amid COVID-19.

In just five days, pupils in Grades R, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 and 11 are set to return to school on 6 July 2020.

Earlier this month, Grade 7 and 12 pupils returned to the classroom as government implemented the phased reopening of the country and the economy.

Briefing Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, the department’s Director-General Mathanzima Mweli said while the department is prepared to welcome back 52% of pupils next week, it will consider the trend of infections.

“Although we are saying 52% of learners, we are not fixed to bringing the 52%. We have heard that community infections are flaring up, we discussed this last night with unions, and we are saying our plan is extremely flexible.

“We are not going to push for 52% to come if we can see that there is danger. The community infections that are happening might spill over to schools. We are very cautious of that,” he said.

Since the reopening of schools on 8 June, the Education Department noted that 523 pupils, 1 169 staff members and 775 schools have been affected by COVID-19.

Mathanzima said, while the department is prepared to welcome pupils, it is also mindful about the capacity of the health sector.

“We not only look at our capacity to run the system but also have to be mindful about the capacity of the health sector to deal with the flaring up of infections in communities because those schools are located in communities, so we are alive to that reality.”

Rotational school attendance

In an effort to maintain social distancing at schools, Mweli presented the department’s plan to amend the timetable to ensure that only 50% of the total learner enrolment is present at a given moment.

Under the plan, the department suggests that learners either attend school on a bi-weekly basis, rotate to be present ever second day or all learners attend on a particular day.

Correctional Services Deputy Minister Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa has made a full recovery from COVID-19 and he is back at work.

The Deputy Minister is also expected to participate in a Parliamentary session today.

Holomisa had been in self-isolation at home since 12 June 2020, and “made it his mission to religiously follow what was prescribed to him”, his department said.

Although in good spirits, Holomisa said that a recovery should never induce complacency, as the infectious disease is at its peak.

“It is vital that every citizen continue to fully adhere to and diligently implement protective measures in order stop the spread of the virus,” Holomisa said.

This is a plea aligned to government’s call for social distancing in the fight against COVID-19 and for the continued use of face masks in public.

South Africa’s COVID-19 cases are on a sharp and steady increase with 6 130 new cases reported on Monday, bringing the total number to 144 264.

A further 73 COVID-19 related deaths were reported, bringing the total to 2 529. Of the 73 new deaths reported, 1 was from Mpumalanga, 5 from Limpopo, 2 from North West, 6 from Gauteng, 10 from the Eastern Cape, 6 from KwaZulu-Natal and 43 from the Western Cape.

“The numbers are picking up and the surge is on the way. Particularly in Gauteng, the numbers are locking up faster than anticipated.

“Western Cape started surging numbers very quickly. Western Cape in June went up by 40 000 people, but in Gauteng as of last night we are close to 3 000 per day,” said Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

With the rapid increase in infections posing a threat of overwhelming health services, Mkhize pleaded with citizens to observe health protocols and maintain social distancing.

“The problem is too many people getting sick at the same time. We want to plead to people to use the masks, hand washing, social distancing.

“During the month of July we are going to see larger numbers getting infected, going into August. We are hoping to manage the situation during this time,” said the Minister.

While the numbers continue to surge, Mkhize said no decision has been taken to have another lockdown.

“There has not been any decision taken to have another lockdown and certainly the National Coronavirus Command Council does not take lightly a decision of that nature.

“There may be a need in some areas for restrictions. It may not be national but localised. But no such decision has been taken as yet,” he said.

Dumped COVID-19 test kits

On Monday, reports surfaced of COVID-19 test samples found dumped in Mdantsane in East London. Following the discovery of the dumped samples, the Health Minister announced the suspension of the courier company responsible.

“The tests lying on the road was disappointing. It seems to be the courier company. We’ve asked these services to be suspended. We cannot have this type of negligence. We are grateful to those who spotted and reported this matter,” said the Minister.

Officials deployed to E Cape

Noting the challenges of staffing and capacity in the Eastern Cape, the Health Department has deployed officials to the province to boost capacity.

“Eastern Cape has a number of challenges, part of it is to strengthen their management capacity. We have deployed officials to assist. I have seen improvements in the past six weeks. We do know there are challenges of staffing.

“We’ve sent a number of people to the Eastern Cape. We are sending reinforcements to the province and keep going there to inspect the progress. We are seeing changes and are monitoring the situation,” said the Minister.

Continue with treatment

On people with comorbidities, Mkhize urged people with comorbidities to continue taking their medication and encouraged them try to get a multi month supply of medication.

“Where possible they should work from home, if not to seclude themselves at work,” he said.

Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa is expected to issue directions on the reopening of cinemas and theatres, subject to a limit of 50 persons or less and strict adherence to all health protocols and social distancing measures.

The Minister’s directions will also allow for the reopening of museums, galleries, libraries and archives, subject to strict adherence to health protocols.

“The above mentioned places must apply to the Minister within 14 days after the publication of the directions and will be approved, subject to compliance with protocols, which will be published in the Minister’s directions in the next few days,” the ministry said on Tuesday.

The department will deploy officials to monitor compliance with the directions, and these officials will be given special identity documents.

“The department is very appreciative of the cooperation of the sector in fighting the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring that the sector is not responsible for the spread of Coronavirus.

“As passionate as we are about the advancement of the art and culture sector, we are equally as committed to ensuring that lives come first,” Mthethwa said.