Covid-19 info pack

The document outlines the nature of Covid-19, emphasizing the need to "flatten the curve" through social distancing and hygiene to prevent healthcare system collapse. It provides specific instructions on hand washing, self-isolation, and the use of masks, while addressing South Africa's unique challenges such as limited water access and high rates of HIV and TB. Additionally, it offers guidance on managing workplace disruptions, retrenchments, and maintaining community mental health and support networks during lockdowns.

• The primary goal of public health interventions is to "flatten the curve," which involves slowing the rate of infection to prevent a sudden spike that would "overwhelm our healthcare system," thereby ensuring care for those most in need.
• Certain groups are at a higher risk of death from Covid-19, specifically the elderly, healthcare workers, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In South Africa, people living with HIV or TB are also identified as being at risk.
• Effective prevention relies on rigorous hand hygiene and social distancing. Hand washing with soap for at least 20 seconds or using sanitiser with at least 70% alcohol is described as the most effective way to remove the virus from surfaces like plastic and metal.
• To address the lack of running water in some South African communities, the document suggests using simple devices like 5-litre water containers with taps or "tippy taps" made from plastic bottles to create hand washing stations.
• The pandemic poses significant economic risks, particularly for the "economically vulnerable workforce," including domestic workers, hospitality staff, and spaza shop owners. Retrenchments are noted as a realistic possibility in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, mining, hospitality, and tourism.
• The document recommends community-based support systems to mitigate the psychological effects of isolation, such as establishing WhatsApp groups to share resources and coordinating the delivery of food and water to the sick and elderly.

APA

WWF South Africa (n.d.). Covid-19 info pack. https://www.wwf.org.za/our_news/news/?31301/Why-we-must-slow-down-the-spread-of-Covid-19-urgently

Chicago

WWF South Africa. Covid-19 info pack. n.d. https://www.wwf.org.za/our_news/news/?31301/Why-we-must-slow-down-the-spread-of-Covid-19-urgently.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF South Africa |title=Covid-19 info pack |url=https://www.wwf.org.za/our_news/news/?31301/Why-we-must-slow-down-the-spread-of-Covid-19-urgently |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfsouthafricandcovid19, author = {{WWF South Africa}}, title = {{Covid-19 info pack}}, institution = {WWF South Africa}, url = {https://www.wwf.org.za/our_news/news/?31301/Why-we-must-slow-down-the-spread-of-Covid-19-urgently}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }