The Coronavirus is a virus similar to the common cold or flu. Not everyone who becomes infected with the Coronavirus gets sick, and not everyone who gets sick becomes very ill.

Most people (about 80%) recover without needing special treatment.

Stop the spread [illustration]

Stopping the spread of COVID-19 requires each every person to act responsibly – at work, at home, while we travel and in our communities. Fred, Joe, Ma Joyce, Dr Wilson, Sarah, Noah and Omar show us how to keep ourselves and others safe and healthy every day.

 

Stop the Spread Videos

Spread the knowledge far and wide to our colleagues, our families, our friends and our communities

 
 

UPDATES

  • 23 July, 2020: AngloGold Ashanti, Sibanye-Stillwater, Sasol and Imperial join forces to distribute hand sanitisers to communities

    Read More
  • 25 May, 2020: AngloGold Ashanti provides further update on COVID-19 cases at Mponeng Mine

    Read More
  • 24 May, 2020: AngloGold Ashanti Statement Provides Update on Positive Cases at Mponeng Mine

    Read More
  • 20 April, 2020: AngloGold Ashanti, Sasol & Imperial to Provide Bulk Sanitisers to Gauteng Hospitals

    Read More
  • 15 April, 2020: AngloGold Ashanti provides an update on restart of certain operations

    Read More
  • 02 April, 2020: AngloGold Ashanti steps up humanitarian efforts in the response to COVID-19

    Read More
  • 27 March, 2020 AngloGold Ashanti Provides Update on Measures taken in Response to COVID-19

    Read More
  • 24 March, 2020: AngloGold Ashanti Provides Update on Status of South African Assets

    Read More
  • 20 March, 2020: AngloGold Ashanti Provides Update on Argentina Operations

    Read More

{loadmodule mod_custom, home-popups}

SOUTH AFRICA Update

President Ramaphosa's address on 23 March 2020

VIDEOS

 

INFORMATION & MYTHBUSTERS

There is a great deal of fake news and misinformation circulating about COVID-19

We will be sending out information from the South African Government website, the World Health Organization (WHO) site, and other useful websites that will help us see past this false information.

What is COVID-19
What is COVID-19?

Human Coronaviruses are common throughout the world. There are many different coronaviruses identified in animals but only a small number of these can cause disease in humans.

On 7 January 2020, ‘Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2’ (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed as the causative agent of ‘Coronavirus Disease 2019’ or COVID-19. The majority of the case-patients initially identified were dealers and vendors at a seafood, poultry and live wildlife market in China. Since then, the virus has spread to more than 100 countries, including South Africa.

Who is most at risk?

Currently, travellers to areas where there is ongoing sustained transmission of COVID-19 including Mainland China (all provinces), Hong Kong, Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Italy and the Islamic Republic of Iran are at greatest risk of infection.

Furthermore, the elderly, individuals with co-morbidities and healthcare workers have been found to be at a higher risk of death.

How is it transmitted?

While the first cases probably involved exposure to an animal source, the virus now seems to be spreading from person-to-person.

The spread of the disease is thought to happen mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Thus far, the majority of cases have occurred in people with close physical contact to cases and healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19.

Source: Government of South Africa
https://sacoronavirus.co.za/information-about-the-virus-2/

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or fever.

The complete clinical picture with regard to COVID-19 is still not fully clear. Reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.

How is COVID-19 treated?

Treatment is supportive (providing oxygen for patients with shortness of breath or treating a fever, for example). To date, there is no specific antiviral treatment available. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections. However, antibiotics may be required if a bacterial secondary infection develops.

How can you prevent infection?

The following can provide protection against infection from Coronaviruses and many other viruses:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay at home when you are sick and try and keep a distance from others at home.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Source: Government of South Africa
https://sacoronavirus.co.za/information-about-the-virus-2/

Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus
Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Fact: The new coronavirus can be transmitted in areas with hot humid climates
Fact: The new coronavirus can be transmitted in areas with hot humid climates [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible? [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Fact: Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease
Fact: Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Coronavirus: Health myths you should ignore
Fact: The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites
Fact: The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus? [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Fact: Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus
Fact: Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Fact: Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort DOES NOT mean you are free from the coronavirus (COVID-19) or any other lung didease
Fact: Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort  DOES NOT mean you are free from the coronavirus (COVID-19) [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Fact: Drinking alcohol DOES NOT protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous
Fact: Drinking alcohol DOES NOT protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Fact: 5G mobile networks DO NOT spread COVID-19
Fact: 5G mobile networks DO NOT spread COVID-19 [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Fact: There are currently no drugs licensed for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19
Fact: 5G mobile networks DO NOT spread COVID-19 [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Coronavirus: How to wear a face covering
Can shoes spread the COVID-19 virus?
Coronavirus: Can shoes spread the COVID-19 virus? [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

How to wear a non-medical fabric mask safely
Coronavirus: How to wear a non-medical fabric mask safely [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Home care for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19
Home care for people with suspected or confired COVID-19 [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

What is the difference between isolation, quarantine, and distancing?
What is the difference between isolation, quarantine, and distancing? [infographic]

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

The virus spreads when droplets from respiratory infections from a sick person comes into contact with others through:

  • the air by coughing and sneezing

  • close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

The most common symptoms are:

If you have these symptoms,
you need to self-quarantine.

Protect yourself by taking these steps:

  • Steps [icon]

    Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub

  • Steps [icon]

    Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze

  • Steps [icon]

    Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands

  • Steps [icon]

    Avoid close contact with people who are sick, sneezing or coughing

  • Steps [icon]

    Only eat well-cooked food, especially meat and eggs

  • Steps [icon]

    Never spit in public

  • Steps [icon]

    Get your flu vaccination