COVID-19 – CORONAVIRUS

Corporate communication to ATKV clients

The ATKV is keeping a very close eye on the events surrounding the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2), which was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) – especially in light of the impact on the hospitality industry in South Africa, as well as projects in which the ATKV-NPO is involved.

The ATKV’s management is continuously monitoring the information made available by the WHO.

COVID-19

• The virus spreads through droplet contamination. The most effective way to avoid contamination is therefore to avoid close personal contact with sick and possibly contaminated people. Persons with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable and have to be very careful.
• The situation is constantly changing. The Department of Health and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NCID) will keep the public updated on the latest developments. It is every person’s responsibility to stay informed, to not spread unconfirmed rumours and to take the necessary precautions
• In the event of an outbreak, it is imperative that people do not panic and that everyone cooperates fully in order to prevent further spread of the disease.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms include typical cold symptoms, such as headache, fever, respiratory problems and coughing.

DO’S AND DON’TS

• If you suspect that you are contaminated, don’t go to see a doctor or visit a clinic or hospital without prior notice. You can unknowingly and unnecessarily expose health workers and others (including sick people) to the virus. Firstly phone the doctor, clinic or hospital and let them know that you are sick, so that they can prepare to receive you safely and effectively.
• Clients fearing that they are already contaminated should contact their local medical practitioner to get further instructions.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you are worried, consider buying a hand sanitiser with a minimum alcohol content of 70% for use when you leave the house.
• Cover your mouth with a piece of cloth or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Try not to contaminate any surfaces with your bodily fluids.
• It is strongly recommended that you get vaccinated against the flu (the 2020 vaccine will be available soon) and pneumococcal infections (if indicated for you). It will relieve the burden on the health care system and protect your ability to work, and it can prevent that you are identified as a potential COVID-19 case. Most important is that it can help prevent illness in general – not only COVID-19.

TRAVEL BAN

• No travel ban is currently in effect.
• The ATKV’s deposit and cancellation policy stays unchanged.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

The ATKV’s management is appealing to clients to stay on top of things. Reliable information is available from the following sources:

• The Department of Health
• The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)
• The World Health Organization (WGO)

The ATKV will monitor the situation and publish information on the relevant ATKV websites. Published: 09/03/2020