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Does the coronavirus spread from person to person?
The virus can spread from one person to another, mainly through droplets of saliva or mucus carried through the air for up to 1 metre or so when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Viral particles may be breathed in, land on surfaces that people touch, or be transferred when shaking hands or sharing a drink with someone who has the virus.

What is the incubation period for the coronavirus?
An incubation period is the time between being infected by a virus and showing symptoms of the illness. Current information suggests that symptoms of COVID-19 usually appear on average after five days from infection. However, the incubation period may be as short as two days or as long as 14 days before the infected person shows symptoms.

How is this new coronavirus confirmed?
A specialised test must be done to confirm that a person has COVID-19. However, it is important to note that only persons who show symptoms or meet criteria as set out by the NICD will be tested. If you or a loved one have suspected symptoms, please contact your general practitioner first, who will liaise with the necessary authorities to assist with tests. In cases of severe
respiratory distress, please go to your emergency unit. However, inform them of your arrival prior to entering the unit.

Can people who are asymptomatic spread coronavirus?
A person who is asymptomatic may be spreading the virus and could make others ill. How often this lasts if asymptomatic transmission is occurring is unclear. The risk of catching the virus from someone with no symptoms, is very low.

Can the coronavirus live on surfaces such as fabrics and carpets or hard surfaces?
How long the new coronavirus can live on a soft surface — and more importantly, how easy or hard it is to spread this way — isn’t clear yet. Available evidence suggests it can be transmitted less easily from soft surfaces than frequently-touched hard surfaces, such as a doorknob or the
elevator button.
According to WHO, coronaviruses may survive on surfaces for just a few hours or several days. However, many factors will influence this period, including the surface material and weather.
This is the reason why taking personal hygiene steps such as frequently washing your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, and wiping down often-touched surfaces with disinfectants or a household cleaning spray, are excellent infection prevention practices.

Should my children and I wear a face mask to protect against coronavirus?
Please follow public health recommendations. Currently, face masks are not recommended for the general public. Even though there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Africa, most people are more likely to catch and spread seasonal influenza (the flu).
Some health facilities require people to wear a mask under certain circumstances, such as if they have travelled from areas where coronavirus is spreading, or have been in contact with people who did or with people who have confirmed coronavirus.
If you have respiratory symptoms like coughing or sneezing, experts recommend wearing a mask to protect others. This may help contain droplets containing any type of virus, including the flu, and protect close contacts (anyone within 1 to 2 meters of the infected person).

Should someone who is immunocompromised wear a mask?
If you are immunocompromised because of an illness or treatment, talk to your doctor about whether wearing a mask is helpful. Advice will depend on your medical history and where you live. Many people will not need to wear a mask, but if your healthcare provider recommends wearing one in public areas because you have a particularly vulnerable immune system or for
other reasons, follow that advice.

Is there a vaccine available for coronavirus?
No vaccine is available, although scientists are working on vaccines. In 2003, scientists tried to develop a vaccine to prevent the SARS virus but the epidemic ended before the vaccine could enter clinical trials.

What is the treatment for coronavirus?
Treatment is based on supportive measures, which means giving fluids, medicine to reduce fever, and, in severe cases, supplemental oxygen. People who become critically ill from COVID-19 may need a ventilator to help them breathe.

Can people who recover from the coronavirus still be carriers and therefore spread it?
People who get COVID-19 need to work with providers and public health authorities to determine when they are no longer contagious.

Myths and facts about Coronavirus