Testing for now, even in private labs will be prioritised for individuals that fulfill epidemiological and clinical case definitions and only if referred by a doctor.

Due to critical reagent shortages, COVID19 (SARS-CoV-2) testing will be restricted to patients with travel to areas where there has been sustained person to person transmission with in the last 14 days and seriously ill or hospitalised with severe pneumonia, or cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or measured fever of  38 °C. Testing will also be reserved for health care workers who attended patients with confirmed COVID19 (SARS-CoV-2) tests.

Common signs and symptoms reported include fever, cough, shortness of breath and other respiratory complaints. Severe infections have been reported and these have resulted in severe acute respiratory syndrome, renal failure and even death.

We advise that testing be guided by the WHO case definition of a suspect case in order to ensure sustainable allocation of testing reagents:

• A patient with acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) AND with no other aetiology that fully explains the clinical presentation AND a history of travel to or residence in a country/area or territory reporting local transmission of COVID-19 disease during the 14 days prior to symptom onset. (Visit the WHO website for daily situation reports of countries affected; available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports); OR
• A patient with any acute respiratory illness AND having been in contact* with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case in the last 14 days prior to onset of symptoms; OR
• A patient with severe acute respiratory infection (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease e.g., cough, shortness breath) AND requiring hospitalisation AND with no other aetiology that fully explains the clinical presentation.
  • Contact is a person involved in any of the following:
    Providing direct care without proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to a patient with COVID-19;
  • Staying in the same close environment as a person with COVID-19 (including workplace, classroom, household, gatherings);
  • Travelling together in close proximity (1 m) with a person with COVID-19 in any kind of conveyance in the 14
    days prior to symptom onset.

72 hours from time of receipt in the molecular laboratory in Johannesburg

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Why? 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.