Husain Mohamed – 18/06/2020 

COVID-19 is continuing to spread across the country and is making its way in to many Muslim suburbs in South Africa. There has been a major spread in communities like Lenasia, Laudium, Azaadville, etc.

Although for most people COVID-19 causes only mild illness, it can make some people very ill. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes) appear to be more vulnerable.

Many who contract the virus are left clueless and do not know what is the way forward. Speaking to Radio Islam Healthcare practitioner, Dr Fathima Minty, advised on what should be done if you are diagnosed with the virus.

“If people test positive, they should be isolated and the people they have been in close contact with up to 2 days before they developed symptoms should be sought out, and those people should be tested too if they show symptoms of COVID-19.”

The World Health Organization advised that all confirmed cases, even mild cases, should be isolated in health facilities, to prevent transmission and provide adequate care.

Dr Minty reiterated that at this time hygiene remains very important, people should continue to wear face masks and maintain a certain level of social distancing.

Listen to the full interview with Dr Fathima Minty here: