Coronavirus: Self-quarantine could be a challenge - SAMA
The SA Medical Association believes the process of self-quarantine might not be so easy to implement in South Africa, where the number of COVID-19 cases has climbed to seven.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize confirmed four new cases of COVID-19 in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday.
The Association's Angelique Coetzee says not many people can afford to take time off from work.
Asking people to self-quarantine can work in urban areas, but Coetzee says highly populated areas like townships - could pose a challenge.
"There it would be a huge problem to advise people to keep away from other people, wash your hands, disinfect frequently touched objects, stay at home when you are sick. All these people live close together, and that might pose a problem."
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Coetzee says GPs are more risk as they treat various patients, including potential coronavirus cases. Some practices in the UK have had to close temporarily.
"The biggest problem is that we are not protected, we do not have the gear, and I encountered a patient with the virus, I will have to go onto self-quarantine for two weeks and also all the patients that were sitting in the rooms while that patient attended the surgery as well as the secretary that also dealt with with the patient."
But Mkhize is confident that the country's seven coronavirus patients and those who've been exposed to them - have self-isolated.
"We have not been aware of anyone who was put on home quarantine and then they started gallivanting out there. We haven't had that but we've got is a situation where people would have met others before they were made aware and after they were made aware they have co-operated. So I think the concern should not be so much."
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Several people, including students from China who arrived in Limpopo last week, have been advised to self-isolate.
Mkhize says they've raised the issue of banning travel to and from countries hardest hit by the virus - with the president.
"The issue of travel bans - we have had a discussion, and then the ministers will be consulting with the president and the cabinet. Thereafter, any messages or any announcements will be made at that kind of level, and then it will be explained what is being done on what basis."
