Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the most recently discovered coronavirus. It can cause a respiratory infection and is highly contagious. Most people infected will have mild symptoms, but a small minority can become very unwell and need to go to hospital. There is governmental guidance on things you can do to prevent the spread of the disease and how you can protect yourself from catching it. Please follow link below:

Click here for Government guidance

We believe that coronavirus (COVID-19) is highly contagious. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose or from contaminated surfaces. Due to coronavirus being highly contagious, it is important to self-isolate or maintain social distancing if you have been advised to do so.

The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing). Individuals can also be infected from and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth). The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for several hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it.

Although for most people COVID-19 causes only mild illness, it can make some people very ill. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and those with pre- existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes) appear to be more vulnerable.

• Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home if you feel unwell.
• If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.

Calling in advance allows your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This protects you, and prevents the spread of viruses and other infections.

Masks

Masks can help prevent the spread of the virus from the person wearing the mask to others. Masks alone do not protect against COVID-19, and should be combined with physical distancing and hand hygiene. Follow the advice provided by your local health authority.

If you are caring for someone with COVID-19 and using a face mask, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before putting it on and follow these steps:

• Make sure the mask covers over your nose and mouth completely, and don’t touch the mask once it is on
• If you need to touch your mask, clean your hands before and after
• If the mask becomes damp, replace it with a new one
• When taking your mask off, don’t touch the front of it
• Throw used face masks away immediately into a closed bin and don’t forget to wash your hands after

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Most common symptoms:

• Fever
• dry cough
• tiredness

Less common symptoms:

• aches and pains
• sore throat
• diarrhoea
• conjunctivitis
• headache
• loss of taste or smell
• a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes

Serious symptoms:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• chest pain or pressure
• loss of speech or movement

Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.

People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home.

On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.

You can talk to a doctor In case you have the COVID -19 symptoms or have been in touch with an infected person. You are also advised to call 114 to get tested or reach out to the nearest health facility that provides the test. Our clinicians are trained to recognise the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) and to offer you advice.

Until now, there is no specific treatment for the new coronavirus disease. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and the treatment is based on the patient's clinical condition.

The virus that causes COVID-19 infects people of all ages. However, evidence to date suggests that two groups of people are at a higher risk of getting severe COVID-19 disease. These are older people (that is people over 60 years old); and those with underlying medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer). The risk of severe disease gradually increases with age starting from around 40 years. It's important that adults in this age range protect themselves and in turn protect others that may be more vulnerable.

The risk is high when you are in a location where there is a COVID-19 outbreak. Persons who are staying or visiting the areas where Coronavirus is spreading are at a bigger risk of catching the disease.

People should comply with the instructions taken by the Government on large gatherings and local movement to reduce the risk of catching the coronavirus.

To expose yourself to a higher temperature does not prevent you from coronavirus disease. COVID-19 can affect anyone regardless of the weather, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Kindly make sure you follow the instructions to protect yourself, wash minutely your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth.

Yes, you can recover from COVID-19. Most of the people who were reported positive have recovered from COVID-19 and eliminated the virus from their bodies. When you are infected, ensure that you treat your symptoms. In case you cough, have a fever or have difficulties to breathe, immediately call 114 or WhatsApp +250 788 20 20 80 for help.

The best way of confirming COVID 19 is with a laboratory test. Dry cough, fever, and tiredness are the most common symptoms. Some of the infected people have severe breathing difficulties. Holding your breath can have serious side effects.

A thermometer can detect people who have developed fever because of the infection caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19) but can’t detect someone who is infected with no fever yet. Please note that it takes some days for someone who is infected to become sick and develop a fever.

A lot of African countries have reported cases of COVID 19 in their countries. Local people are infected in those countries, which shows that the virus can affect anyone on earth regardless of the color of the skin. To protect yourself and your loved ones, wash your hands frequently to eliminate the viruses that may be on your hands.