WHAT IS THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS, COVID-19?

Coronavirus is a virus causing cold and flu symptoms and has been around and identifiable for many, many
decades.
In December 2019, a novel coronavirus strain was first detected in Wuhan, China, causing fatal respiratory
disease in around 2% of those who contracted it. It is a completely new strain which is very contagious and
can be serious in some cases.
The Novel Coronavirus was officially named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization. Through global
travel and spread, the outbreak has reached significant proportions in many parts of the globe, and has
been declared a public health emergency
South Africa’s first identified case was a 38-year-old male who had travelled to Italy in a group.
What are the symptoms of the novel Coronavirus?

• Fever (usually over 38 degrees Celsius) and chills.

• Cough and sneezing.
• Diarrhoea, vomiting
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing in the more serious cases.
Note

• The majority of people have mild, cold and flu type symptoms.
• Symptoms can last up to 2 weeks.
• Children and young adults seem to handle the disease well.
• The elderly have the highest complication rate by far.
• Those with underlying respiratory and cardiac diseases, as well as those with immune issues, will be
at greater risk of more severe symptoms.
Who is at risk of contracting coronavirus?

• Everyone who has been in close contact with a person with Coronavirus is at risk.
• The case fatalities are highest in the elderly
• Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
• Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring are at
elevated risk.
• People in communities where ongoing spread with COVID-19 has been reported are at elevated risk
How does the Virus spread ?

• By respiratory droplets coughed, sneezed or exhaled by a person who has the illness. Coronavirus
can be caught by being within a 1-2 metre vicinity of the carrier.
• Close personal contact (touching and shaking hands with a person who has the virus).
• By touching objects or surfaces on to which the virus has landed- such as desks, tables- and then
touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes.
Note:
The incubation period (between contact and becoming ill) is up to 2 weeks but symptoms may occur within
days of contact in some cases.

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The patient is actually at their most infectious in the day or two BEFORE symptoms appear!
How is coronavirus diagnosed?
If a person has worrying, flu-like symptoms and has been in contact with a coronavirus carrier or has
recently travelled in a coronavirus-affected area, then they need to be tested Testing consists of respiratory
swabs either nasal or throat
How is coronavirus treated?
The treatment of milder cases is much the same as cold and flu treatment: maintaining nutrition and
hydration, temperature control, symptomatic treatment of runny noses and lots of rest.
Antibiotics and existing antivirals do not treat the disease
More serious cases of respiratory involvement (“pneumonitis”) may need hospitalisation, oxygen,
nebulisers, antibiotics for secondary infection, and even ventilator support
How can we prevent the spread of disease?
Prevention of spread is key!
The best way to prevent spread is early detection and quarantining of infected patients, or of those with a
high suspicion of having the virus, so that they come into contact with as few people as possible. Isolation
should be for around 14 days.

• If a person has cold symptoms with a fever, then they should rather not go to school/work until they
have more clarity on their condition.
• Practice COUGH HYGIENE: cough into a tissue, not into your hand, and throw the tissue into a closed
bin immediately. Wash hands afterwards.
• KEEP YOUR DISTANCE from people who seem to have a cold, and politely nod your head instead of
shaking hands/hugging.
• HANDWASHING is key! Clean hands frequently during the day, after coughing, and after touching
desktops/tabletops and toys that may be contaminated.
• Hands should be washed with soap and water (for at least 20-30 sec), especially after possible
contact with coronavirus carriers or after touching respiratory secretions, noses, mouths, desks, and
even toys in an area where the coronavirus status is unknown.
• Having hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol dotted around the schools or offices would be an
advantage.
• Wear a FACE MASK
• Preparation of the work space :
• The virus survives for hours to days on surfaces
• Specifically the virus was found to be detectable for up to three days on plastic and stainless steel,
for one day on cardboard,and for up to four hours on copper Surfaces need to be wiped and
disinfected regularly

Will most people who get COVID-19 get very sick or die?
More than 80% of people with COVID-19 have mild disease and recover. In about 5% of cases the patient
has a critical disease, and in 2% (or less) of cases the disease causes a fatal respiratory disease. The mortality
rate is similar to that of a bad “flu” virus
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PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF COVID 19
Anxiety is defined as a feeling of worry, nervousness or unease about something with an uncertain outcome
The consequences of the government’s strategies (rightly so) to contain the virus. This includes self-
isolation, social distancing and even being in quarantine. These unnatural and sudden forced changes in
behaviour are creating a new set of mental health challenges.”
Disease itself multiplied by forced quarantine to combat COVID-19 applied by nationwide lockdowns can
produce acute panic, anxiety, obsessive behaviors, hoarding, paranoia, and depression, and post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) in the long run.
These have been fueled by an “infodemic” spread via different platforms of social media.
Outbursts of racism, stigmatization, and xenophobia against particular communities are also being widely
reported.
Nevertheless, frontline healthcare workers are at higher-risk of contracting the disease as well as
experiencing adverse psychological outcomes in form of burnout, anxiety, fear of transmitting infection,
feeling of incompatibility, depression, increased substance-dependence, and PTSD.
Anxiety with regard to contracting the virus and our inability to deal with it is one part of the problem.

How do we deal with the lack of routine, potential boredom, being geographically confined to a limited area
and the inability to engage with certain support groups in a face-to-face situation?
People cannot participate in team sports like they used to do, go to the gym or go out freely to get relief
from their daily stressors. We are also confined in close quarters with immediate family members or house
mates, and this can put a significant strain on relationships, leading to further mental health challenges.
Also, although many people will have the ability to work from home, telecommunication will bring
frustration and challenges of its own, such as miscommunication, issues with connectivity and the health
challenges relating to sitting in front of a computer all day long.”
It is therefore important to find ways of adjusting our mindsets to the new reality, at least for the time
being. “We need to be able to distinguish between controllable and uncontrollable factors. Individually, we
have no control over the protocols and directives issued by the government, and we are expected to adhere
to them. We cannot control the virus, nor the impact it will have on a lot of people. What we can control,
however, is how we react to the current situation. We can be victims, or we can make the best of the
situation.”
Focusing on the factors that can be controlled, such as behaviour and thought processes, will not only give
people a potential new routine and a clear focus, but it will stop them from constantly thinking worst-case-
scenario thoughts and will definitely lower the levels of uncertainty – and therefore their anxiety.
It is necessary that, as a community, we unite and reach consensus in our approach in order to function
from a similar point of view. This is not a time to panic or to create unnecessary fear, but we must also not
be ignorant of or deny this global threat. It is a time when we need to stand together, be cautious and look
after ourselves and others.”

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What could the impact of the COVID-19 crisis be on children’s mental health?
This is indeed an unprecedented time for all of us, especially for children who face an enormous disruption
to their lives. Children are likely to be experiencing worry, anxiety and fear, and this can include the types of
fears that are very similar to those experienced by adults, such as a fear of dying, a fear of their relatives
dying, or a fear of what it means to receive medical treatment. If schools have closed as part of necessary
measures, then children may no longer have that sense of structure and stimulation that is provided by that
environment, and now they have less opportunity to be with their friends and get that social support that is
essential for good mental well-being.
Being at home can place some children at increased risk of, or increased exposure to, child protection
incidents or make them witness to interpersonal violence if their home is not a safe place. This is something
that is very concerning.
Although all children are perceptive to change, young children may find the changes that have taken place
difficult to understand, and both young and older children may express irritability and anger. Children may
find that they want to be closer to their parents, make more demands on them, and, in turn, some parents
or caregivers may be under undue pressure themselves.
Simple strategies that can address this can include giving young people the love and attention that they
need to resolve their fears, and being honest with children, explaining what is happening in a way that they
can understand, even if they are young. Children are very perceptive and will model how to respond from
their carers. Parents also need to be supported in managing their own stressors so that they can be models
for their children. Helping children to find ways to express themselves through creative activities, and
providing structure in the day – if that is possible – through establishing routines, particularly if they are not
going to school anymore, can be beneficial.
Mental health and psychosocial support services should be in place, and child protection services need to
adapt to ensure that the care is still available for the children of families who need it.
What is the psychological impact of this disease on the elderly?
Regarding older people and also those with underlying health conditions, having been identified as more
vulnerable to COVID-19, and to be told that you are very vulnerable, can be extremely frightening and very
fear-inducing. The psychological impacts for these populations can include anxiety and feeling stressed or
angry. Its impacts can be particularly difficult for older people who may be experiencing cognitive decline or
dementia. And some older people may already be socially isolated and experiencing loneliness which can
worsen mental health.
On a positive note, there are many things that older people can initiate themselves or with the support of a
carer, if needed, to protect their mental health at this time. These include many of the strategies that we
are advocating across the entire population, such as undertaking physical activity, keeping to routines or
creating new ones, and engaging in activities which give a sense of achievement. Maintaining social
connections is also important. Some older people may be familiar with digital methods and others may need
guidance in how to use them. Once again, the mental health and psychosocial support services and other
services that are relevant to this population must remain available at this time.

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Practical suggestions to deal with the anxiety include:
1. Have a plan. Mentally worrying about contracting the virus is like sitting in a rocking chair – it gives you
something to do, but it takes you nowhere. Therefore, be more proactive: follow clear health behaviours,
wash your hands, avoid crowded places and follow the government’s lockdown instructions – but do not sit
in the proverbial rocking chair all day long. Have a plan for approaching the situation!
2. Focus on what matters: Take up a few passions and hobbies that you seldom have time for (within
reason), build relationships, read more and get enough rest, etc. There are many important things we can
still do in these times. Focus on the things that matter most to you in life!
3. Create meaningful family time eg. sitting around a table and having a meal together, playing board games,
laughing and having fun together or playing sport in the yard
4. Keep your perspective: Although the threat is real, do not underestimate the human body’s ability to fight
off a virus – especially if you are healthy with no underlying health problems. It is probable that 95% of all
people contracting the virus will have only mild to moderate symptoms and will recover in a short space of
time. The situation is bound to change at some point. We have to stay strong through the early months, as
humans will start building natural immunity (known as herd immunity) over time. In the meantime, be
sensible, but do not stop living. Focus on the things over which you have control.

GRIEF AND COUNSELING DURING COVID 19

Rituals that we typically rely on to say goodbye to people such as having funerals or visiting a loved one in
hospital are also being taken away from us due to necessary social distancing. These rituals bring help us to
process emotions of grief, bring closure to facing death and celebrate the life of the deceased as people
come together to mourn . Grief left unattended has long term mental, emotional and physical health
implications
Many people are also experiencing a collective grief for other losses such as jobs, normal life or connection.
Given how many aspects of life are changing at such a rapid pace an often without warning or time to
prepare, the situation feels like a tsunami of loss
What to do to assist bereaved:
Make a call : Grief can be a profoundly isolating experience under normal circumstances . As a concerned
family member or friend, making a call , whether it’s a zoom video conferencing or talking on the phone,
provides a way for you to be present.
Seek mental health assistance from a health expert : As a victim of grief , mental health professionals can
help you understand what you are feeling and help you to develop coping skills
Find meaning and hope in how life changes : Have a positive mindset. Find solace in new ways of
connecting with others, utilizing space for being creative and take the time to care for oneself. Doing so
brings about a greater appreciation for the social connectedness , mobility and routines we have lost and
they strengthen us

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EFFECTS OF CORONAVIRUS
SOCIAL EFFECT

• Postponement or cancellation of sporting, religious, and cultural events will have a major impact on
our social life
• Widespread fears of supply shortages which have spurred panicbuying
• Schools and universities have closed and must be home school now
• Communal taps, shared ablution facilities and open sewerage have been identified as a health risk-
can increase the spread of the virus

PSYCOLOGICAL EFFECT

• Misinformation and conspiracy theories about the virus have spread online and there have been
incidents of xenophobia and
• Racism against Chinese people, other Asians, and others from hotspots can have psychological affect
on these people
• Anxiety, stress and fears go hand in hand with this uncertain situation that everyone finds
themselves in
• Bored and stressed children will have an impact on children’s mental health

ECONOMIC EFFECT

• It will have a harsh impact on the tourism andmining sector.

• South Africa exports iron, manganese and chromium ores to China – the coronavirus could
• result in a reduction in demand for South Africa’S raw materials
• Mass unemployment will increase in South Africa
• South Africa economy need our tourist visiting our country to boost our economy
The covid 19 pandemic has sparked fears of an impending economic crisis and recession . Social distancing,
self isolation and travel restrictions have led to a reduced workforce across all economic sectors and many
jobs have been lost. The need for commodities and manufactured products has decreased. Poverty amongst
the poor and vulnerable households are expected to triple. Existing inequalities are likely to worsen
GOVERNMENT’

• travel restrictions,
• Quarantines / lockdown,
• workplace hazard controls,
• event postponements and cancellations,
• border closures
• passenger restrictions
• screening at airports and train station
• The setting up of a solidarity fund set up
• Introduction of price ceiling on essential items, regulations in place to prevent price hikes.
• Increase in social grants.

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