Mbabane: Despite the fact that the elderly is one of the most vulnerable groups there is only one individual who forms part of the confirmed COVID-19 cases.
This is despite that most of the country’s elderly is found in rural set ups like the rural areas and informal settlement which form part of the most unhygienic places in relation to urban areas.
This has been attributed largely to their staying put and not moving around as the virus is spread from person to person, cementing government’s ruling of adhering to pre-cautionary measures like staying home. Government issued that the virus does not hover in the air but sticks to people who then pass it to others as they move from place to place.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued that people of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus in particular older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease. These appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene. Eswatini has only one record of an elderly person who contracted the virus and is 23rd case from the Manzini Region.
Notably, 10 females tested positive against six males. There are four cases of people in their 50s and three are in their 40s, with five in their 30s. Three of the 16 people who tested positive to Covid-19 are in their 20s. The last one is the infant aged six.
Pre-cautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19
as set by WHO:
Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
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, a cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Call in advance.
Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Avoiding unneeded visits to medical facilities allows healthcare systems to operate more effectively, therefore protecting you and others
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