The city currently stands at 19 038 cases of COVID-19 with 12 436 recoveries and a total of 104 COVID-related burials or cremations at City facilities. As the caseload grows, more and more households are likely to be affected by COVID-19 in the home. The City advises on practical tips for both patients and caregivers to keep everyone safe. Read more below:
The City of Cape Town would like to advise residents on how to manage COVID-19 cases in the home following on from the Western Cape Health Department’s announcement that testing for COVID-19 will be limited to the following high risk individuals going forward:
- You are already in hospital and have coronavirus symptoms
- You are a health care worker with coronavirus symptoms
- You are over 55, have other illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension etc. and have coronavirus symptoms
- You are under 55, with underlying conditions and have coronavirus symptoms
- You live in a care facility or old age home and have coronavirus symptoms
While much remains unknown about the virus, experience has shown that most people can recover at home, as at least 80% of an infected population will present with mild to moderate symptoms.
The new risk-stratified testing approach in the Western Cape is built on this experience, with persons who do not fall within the high risk categories advised to forego testing if they suspect they have COVID-19, and to recover at home.
Home care for patients with COVID-19 presenting with mild symptoms:
Individuals who have a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 diagnosis with mild symptoms, a person waiting for test results or a person who has been identified as a close contact with someone with COVID-19 are required to remain isolated from the rest of their household for at least 14 days (from symptom onset if unwell). While at home, we advise that they monitor their symptoms and temperature twice daily.
‘This is extremely important, because while home recovery is advised, patients should be mindful of any worsening of their symptoms in the event that it might require more advanced care – particularly if they develop problems breathing, experience persistent pain or pressure in the chest area and struggle to wake up. They are also advised to call their healthcare provider or the provincial COVID-19 health line if their symptoms persist beyond seven days. Patients are generally considered free of the virus after 14 days if their symptoms resolve, but if in doubt, check in with your healthcare provider or local clinic just to be sure,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
It is important to note that homecare is dependent on the ability to isolate from other household members and a healthy person being able to take care of you, as well as having easy access to your healthcare provider, if need be. Some practical tips include:
- If possible, place the patient in a well-ventilated single room (i.e. with open windows and an open door) and household members should stay in a different room or, if that is not possible, maintain a distance of at least one metre from the ill person (e.g. sleep in a separate bed).
- Limit the movement of the patient in the house and minimise shared space.
- Limit the number of caregivers. Ideally, assign one person who is in good health and has no underlying chronic or immune-compromising conditions.
- Visitors should not be allowed until the patient has completely recovered and has no signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
- Perform hand hygiene after any type of contact with patients or their immediate environment.
- When washing hands with soap and water, it is preferable to use disposable paper towels to dry hands. If these are not available, use clean cloth towels and replace them frequently.
- Use dedicated linen and eating utensils for the patient; these items should be cleaned with soap and water after use and may be re-used instead of being discarded.
- Daily clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched in the room where the patient is being cared for, such as bedside tables, bedframes, and other bedroom furniture. Regular household soap or detergent should be used for cleaning.
- Clean and disinfect bathroom and toilet surfaces at least once daily or after use if a shared bathroom.
- Clean the patient’s clothes, bed linen, and bath and hand towels using regular laundry soap and water or machine wash at 60–90 °C (if possible) with common household detergent, and dry thoroughly. Place contaminated linen into a laundry bag. Do not shake soiled laundry and avoid contaminated materials coming into contact with skin and clothes.
- ‘Double bag’ waste such as tissues or disposable masks used by the sick person and store for five days before putting out for collection
- Avoid other types of exposure to contaminated items from the patient’s immediate environment (e.g. do not share toothbrushes, cigarettes, eating utensils, dishes, drinks, towels, washcloths, or bed linen).
What to do if you cannot self-isolate in your home:
Persons who are unable to self-isolate at home can liaise with their nearest health facility or call the provincial hotline (021 928 4102) to secure access to one of the Quarantine and Isolation facilities that have been set up around the metropole, in conjunction with the Western Cape Government.
Look after yourself to look after others:
It is also important for the rest of the household/caregivers to play their part in ensuring that they do not become infected, by following the guidelines below:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Wear a cloth mask at all times when in public (do not touch your face)
- Practise responsible respiratory hygiene (cover your coughs and sneezes)
- Wipe down all surfaces that you may come into contact with
- Social distancing is everyone’s responsibility – implement it strictly
- If you feel ill – stay at home!
‘The guidelines for home care can appear overwhelming, as there is a lot to do and to take into consideration. However, we appeal to residents to please follow the guidelines to the letter to ensure the best outcome for the patient, as well as the rest of the household. We are reminded constantly that the worst of the pandemic is yet to come, so now more than ever we need to remain vigilant and adhere to the health and hygiene protocols put forward to help mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
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Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town
Note to broadcasters: an audio clip is available for download: https://soundcloud.com/ct-media/0306-badroodien-covid-in-the-home
Media enquiries: Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, City of Cape Town, Cell: 072 639 5773, Email: zahid.badroodien@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za)