Home Opinion & Features Being well prepared beats panic

Being well prepared beats panic

527

The number of people diagnosed with Covid-19 now exceeds 100000 worldwide, with several new countries reporting their first cases

As Covid-19 spreads across the world, including South Africa, scientists are beginning to understand the impact of the virus that has created alarm worldwide.

The World Health Organisation has declared a global health emergency, and a huge study by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has potentially shown that women and children are less affected.

The study looked at 44000 people and showed that 1.7% of infected women died compared to 2.8% of men. The study also showed that 0.2% of children and teenagers died compared with nearly 15% of people over the age of 80.

Men are more susceptible – because of lifestyle choices, which include smoking – and the elderly, because they have a weaker immune system and a body less able to cope.

The number of people diagnosed with Covid-19 now exceeds 100000 worldwide, with several new countries reporting their first cases.

To allay panic, the Department of Health needs to have sufficient measures in place at the identified state facilities to deal with a large number of patients.

This includes trained staff and adequate medical personnel. The message is clear – there is no need to panic, but preparing for a worst-case scenario that does not take place is better than being unprepared should it happen.

Previous articleIn for the long haul … on road less travelled
Next articleSenior cricket teams in rude health