COVID-19 takes toll on young and productive

Mbabane: A survey of Eswatini’s COVID-19 confirmed cases shows that the deadly virus is most prevalent within the young and productive of the country.

Most of the 56 cases entail ages between the 20s and 50s, with one case of an elderly person who is 60 years of age. This is case 23 from the Manzini region.

Below is a table showing 38 of the cases: cases 2, 3, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 36, 39-59 are not included

The Minister of Health Lizzy Nkosi said the situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving on a daily basis, with effects going far beyond the directly affected areas. She said as a business they are prioritising any projects that are related to the treatment, testing, monitoring and delivery of medical device and protective equipment to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

“During this time, the safety and well-being of our employees and customers is our highest priority. We are closely monitoring the on-going outbreak as well as health and safety guidelines from government agencies and public health officials,” said the minister.

She said to address escalating concerns about the spread of the virus, they are taking the following precautionary measures to safeguard their employees while ensuring that they can effectively continue operations without disruptions:

Some precautionary measures as presented by TUD SUD website are as follows

• Remote working or split team arrangements: We are enforcing or recommending a split-team and work-from-home arrangements for all staff whose role does not require their physical presence in the office.
• Safety at customer sites: To minimise risks to all both employees and the customers, we are reviewing audit plans to include a combination of remote and deferred audits. Employees who are required to work at customer sites will follow the relevant site guidelines and policies. 
• Classroom trainings and seminars: Classroom trainings and seminars will be replaced by online trainings wherever possible. If you have already booked a training class with us, your contact partner will be in touch with you.
• Company events and meetings: Physical visits and meetings will be held virtually or rescheduled where possible.
• Restrictions on business travels: All business travel is restricted unless critically essential. We have also prohibited participation in classroom trainings, conference and trade shows for our employees. Employees who were in contact with infected cases or have just returned from risk countries are to work from home for two weeks.
• Enhanced office hygiene measures: Rigorous hygiene and cleaning protocols are in place for our offices and lab facilities

Others are:

Wash your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people.
  • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
• Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
  • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household