The first cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in China late last year. The disease is now a pandemic with 32.2 million cases globally cumulatively. As of now it has caused 983,000 deaths globally. 306,000 new cases were reported on 24th September 2020 worldwide, India reported 86,000 new cases on 24th September 2020.
Progression of the disease
The initial predictions were that once a country imposed strict controls (lockdown), the disease spread would slow down but this only worked as long as the lockdown was imposed, after which cases began to rise again. The “lockdown” bought time for the preparation of the health systems to cope with the “surge” expected. The surge was expected to be in winter however it has come earlier.
This said, it is worth to note that management of cases has evolved to enable us to have minimal fatalities in the African setting with the appropriate medication. Testing methods are also opening up more, with antigen kits being introduced into the market that may be quicker, cheaper and only slightly less accurate.
Implications for our Community
Governments have had to impose restrictions on gatherings to limit the spread of disease. This has effected the religious gatherings we would have in the holy months that are still ongoing across many parts of the world. There are adaptive measures being made by different Jamaats to ensure compliance with the regulations while allowing religious activities to reasonably continue.
Recently, several members of our community in the United Kingdom were affected by the disease. Dubai also has had surge of infections recently because of people attending birthday parties and weddings. The closure of schools, restrictions on places of worship and the economic impact have had tremendous effects on our communities all over the world.
The disease is spread by airborne aerosols after someone infected breaths out, coughs, or sneezes. These particles float around before being deposited on surfaces. Thus, the virus enters the lung from air. There has also been talk of spread by contact effecting the possible gastro-intestinal symptoms of the disease as well.
You Are Responsible to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Thus, it remains important to maintain policy such as appropriate distancing between crowds, wearing of appropriate face masks at all times, and sanitizing of hands and associated surfaces. Further details on prevention are listed below prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Do not shake hands or hug each other
- Avoid crowded places.
- Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Keep social distance. 1.5 meters is recommended distance between each other even when eating out in restaurants
- Wear a mask which covers the mouth and nose when physical distancing is not possible.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
- Follow the guidelines as issued by the local health authorities
PS: The search for effective vaccines may not be successful until late next year, so we have to maintain discipline with the above measures strictly until then.
Most common symptoms:
- fever
- dry cough
- tiredness
Less common symptoms:
- aches and pains
- sore throat
- diarrhoea
- conjunctivitis
- headache
- loss of taste or smell
- a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes
Susceptible groups
The disease mostly presents asymptomatically in the young or they may have mild symptoms. 85% of patients in Kenya are asymptomatic. They form the reservoirs of the disease. The disease tends to be severe in the following groups of people:
- People over the age of 65 years
- Smokers and obese people
- People with poorly controlled underlying conditions such as:
– Diabetes
– Hypertension
– Heart problems
– Underlying cancer
People who get a severe form of disease, may require extreme measures such as mechanical ventilation. It is important for members in these groups to be wary of the above facts to ensure they don’t catch it from close friends and relatives who may even be completely asymptomatic.
CHB – YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIORITY
SECRETARIAT
Central Health Board of Africa Federation
30th September 2020