April 2, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic affects all South Africans, and there is essential, potentially life-saving information, that we should all be aware of now.
What is a coronavirus? A substantially sized family of viruses exists, which could cause illnesses in humans or animals. Some coronaviruses cause respiratory (lung) infections, which range from the common cold that people usually catch in winter, to more serious coronaviruses such as MERS, SARS and now COVID-19. “Novel” refers to the fact that this is a newly discovered coronavirus.
The authorities have recommended that we should not panic about the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of COVID-19 reported cases are mild in nature. Approximately 82% of people infected with COVID-19 experience a cough, fatigue, and a slight fever. This 82% of cases don’t require hospitalisation and can recover at home.
Please contact the authorities as soon as possible if you have an emergency relating to COVID-19 novel coronavirus. You can call the COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal’s Emergency Hotline: 0800 029 999 or use their WhatsApp Support Line: 0600-123456.
There are several common symptoms to be aware of regarding COVID-19, which include a cough, fever, sore throat and shortness of breath (difficulty breathing).
COVID-19 is a potentially deadly virus. It can be fatal in some cases. So far, COVID-19 has caused five deaths, and there are 1,353 documented cases of people infected with COVID-19 in South Africa to date. Approximately 6% of COVID-19 instances result in infected people requiring intensive care treatment in hospitals.
All South Africans must obey all lockdown-related instructions, as stated by President Cyril Ramaphosa. A summary of the 21-day lockdown rules can be viewed here, and other information can be viewed here.
The good news is that many people and banks have come together to help South Africans financially cope in these challenging times. Several banks have provided financial relief programmes for consumers' personal debt. A vehicle finance company has also offered a financial relief programme.
However, unfortunately, some South Africans may lose their jobs as their employers may be hit too hard by the closure of their businesses during the lockdown. These newly unemployed South Africans may then cancel their car insurance policies or downgrade their car insurance plans to save money. There may be fewer claims during the lockdown period because of less driving during this period and other consumers may not claim because they can’t afford to pay the excess. Other South Africans may sell their cars because they can't afford monthly payments any longer.
Please visit these resources to learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic if you decide not to call the authorities (see above contact numbers). The COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal website and the World Health Organisation website have more information you could need.
It is reasonable to think that South Africans, now more than ever, need to re-evaluate their monthly expenses. Perhaps you could consider getting affordable car insurance that suits your vehicle insurance needs and your monthly budget.
Please keep safe and remember to do everything that is recommended by our government to keep you and your loved ones as safe as possible. We will get through these challenging times together as South Africans.
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