The novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV (Wuhan Coronavirus) has dominated the news in 2020. With the first reported case in South Africa, we want you to look after yourself and your loved ones to prevent the spread of this virus.
“There is no need to panic. AA Travel wants to inform the public of the virus, and of measures to be taken particularly for foreign travellers,” says AA Travel.
More about the Coronavirus
According to the WHO, coronaviruses are a large family of respiratory viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to the Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Have you been out of the country recently? If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms (like a fever and difficulty breathing), contact your doctor as soon as possible, and seek medical attention urgently. More so if these symptoms become acute.
If possible, you should call ahead, so the doctor is aware of your symptoms and travels. If there is any concern about your health, the doctor may advise you to seek care separately from other patients to avoid spreading while in a waiting room.
If you are feeling ill while you are travelling, you should see a doctor as a precaution, and be specific about your travel history.
We recommend the following when travelling internationally:
- Talk to your doctor before travelling with children, if you are pregnant, or have a weak immune system.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
- Practice respiratory hygiene - this means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- Please wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and carry hand sanitiser with you and use it often.
- Keep at least a one-metre distance from any visibly sick people, especially if you can see they are coughing, sneezing or having difficulty breathing.
- Avoid high-risk areas such as farms and live animal markets.
- If you do come into contact with animals, or animal products, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth until you have thoroughly sanitised your hands.
- Monitor your health carefully, and report any cold or flu-like symptoms to your doctor early.
- Follow the advice and directions of local authorities.
- Check with your airline for any changes to flight times and services which may be impacted by schedule changes from authorities.
Can you sing "Happy birthday"? Here are five steps to wash your hands thoroughly:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
- If you do not have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
For more information about the coronavirus, visit the World Health Organisation's website.
