The institute said symptoms of the virus included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
“The complete clinical picture ... is still not fully clear. Reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying,” according to the NICD website.
“When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain viruses. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the Covid-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease,” said WHO.
WHO urged people to stay informed on the latest developments and hot spots of the virus.
“National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether Covid-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.”
Seven ways to protect yourself and limit the spread of coronavirus
Image: 123RF/milkos
Health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has assured the country his department has a plan to deal with Covid-19.
There are also practical steps that can be taken at home or work to help limit the spread of the virus.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and World Health Organisation (WHO) provided these tips on what people can do to help protect themselves.
WATCH LIVE | Zweli Mkhize briefs the media as first coronavirus case detected in SA
The institute said symptoms of the virus included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
“The complete clinical picture ... is still not fully clear. Reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying,” according to the NICD website.
“When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain viruses. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the Covid-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease,” said WHO.
WHO urged people to stay informed on the latest developments and hot spots of the virus.
“National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether Covid-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.”
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