INTERIEW: Dr Ellenore: Essential Protection in Time of Covid-19 – Part 1

Interviewed By: Jarette Petzer on ImStayingMedia

Dr Ellenore is employed at the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Pretoria. She has been very involved in the attempts to control the spread of the COVID-19 in South Africa. In an interview with Jarette Petzer on ImStayingMedia, she shared information and her views on various related issues.

What Are They Doing?

They have concentrated on several informal settlements…

At present they are making every effort to plan ahead so as to control the spread effectively. They have concentrated on several informal settlements, which they visit daily, testing people who may need to be quarantined.

The main challenge is how to keep this population safe, as self-isolation is often very difficult. Sadly, the reality is that often many people live in one room, so it is becoming more and more obvious that masks are essential in that environment.

Dr Ellenore was asked whether they were reaching enough people to test. She responded:

“The numbers will increase as time goes on, and if the population does not comply with the restrictions imposed, further lockdowns could be imposed.”

People who are ill must definitely come in for testing.

Are Masks a Good Idea?

She stressed that a mask could protect the wearer as well as people around him, especially if living in close quarters. The doctor was very definite on this subject. Sometimes a person is not displaying symptoms yet, but is contagious and so is spreading the virus unknowingly.

Medical opinions have varied up to now, but the only countries which have avoided the spike in infections have been Taiwan and the Czech Republic, who have made the wearing of masks mandatory.

How Effective are Different Kinds of Masks?

The medical quality masks are the best, but they should obviously be kept for health care workers. They cannot be produced fast enough for everyone.

Surgical masks are 89% effective, and the effectiveness of home-made masks is as follows:

• Vacuum bag with filter 86%
• Dish towel doubled around the face 73%
• Cotton blend, like T-shirt material, used double 70%
• Double linen-like sheeting 60%
• Scarf wrapped around the face 50%

Effectiveness has been tested on the nano microscopic particles of the virus.

Rules for the Use of Home-made Masks

• You should have two or more of the home-made masks.
• Before putting on a mask, wash your hands for 20 seconds first.
• Put on the mask very carefully, outside, so as to avoid contamination and do not touch your face.
• Remove your mask outside to avoid spreading the particles.
• Wash the mask very well every day with detergent and hang out to dry overnight.
• If you have a plastic mask, spray well with 60% alcohol sanitizer and leave to dry.

Are Gloves Necessary?

In some instances, hospital staff and other care workers are using gloves.

What is the Cost for the COVID-19 Test and How Long Does it Take to Receive the Result?

Tests can take a day or so now, but they will soon be very much faster.

The medical aids will cover the cost for members which is R850, but no one will be turned away if symptomatic.

You can phone your nearest hospital to find out where to have the test.

If on Chronic Medication for High Blood Pressure or Diabetes, are People More Vulnerable?

Yes, chronically ill people are more vulnerable, but it would not be wise to come off any chronic medication as this could result in further problems.

What Can We Do to Help?

Food packs are being delivered weekly to the vulnerable people. Money, not foodstuffs, can be donated to help with this effort and would be very welcome.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

Self-isolate • Wash your hands a lot • Do not touch your face • Please wear a mask