The virus is very susceptible to common anti-bacterial cleaning agents such as bleach, and alcohol-based cleaners (60% volume). Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Maintain at least 1 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands.

If you think you might have contracted the virus, you can call the NICD helpline (0800 029 999) and you will be advised on possible testing facilities. However, testing is not routinely done unless testing is indicated by a health professional therefore one would need to be assessed by your medical practitioner in order to qualify for testing.

Anyone who tests positive will immediately be notified and put into isolation at home or at a facility designated to manage the outbreak. You will then remain in isolation until repeat testing shows you no longer have the virus.

The following hospitals have also been identified as centres for isolation and treatment of people infected with Coronavirus:

Polokwane Hospital in Limpopo;
Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mpumalanga;
Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, Steve Biko Hospital and Tembisa Hospitals in Gauteng;
Grace Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal;
Klerksdorp Hospital in the North West;
Kimberly Hospital in the Northern Cape;
Pelonomi Hospital in the Free State;
Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape; and
Tygerberg Hospital in the Western Cape.