As the Coronavirus continues to spread across South Africa, fake news surrounding the outbreak rises, leading to unnecessary panic. Here are the best sites where you can get the correct information:
1.Official South Africa COVID-19 website
Access to the official South African COVID-19 website has been made 100% free. Working in partnership with the Department of Health, Vodacom has zero-rated the site so that any customer with a device can have access without data or airtime.
With President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 21-day national lockdown declared, South African citizens need a trusted, up-to-date, accurate source of information about the COVID-19 pandemic during this uncertain time. The National Department of Health's COVID-19 Connect WhatsApp line has provided this information to nearly 2 million people within the last week. In partnership with the NDoH, Vodacom is sending awareness messages to its customers through this Government WhatsApp number 0600 123 456. Now, Vodacom customers can get free vital information about the COVID-19 pandemic by visiting the website
2. The Department of Health
The South African government has set up an active WhatsApp account that will answer all of your queries. They are also sharing helpful videos about combating the spread of the virus, such as the one below:
Remember that if you think you may have any symptoms of the virus, you need to call the 24-hour hotline straight away:
CORONA VIRUS OUTBREAK 24-HOUR HOTLINE NUMBER: 0800 029 999
3. World Health Organisation
For the most up to date global news on the spread of the virus, the World Health Organisation is the best source of info.
They also have an extensive FAQ section that contains all the info you will need on effectively managing the symptoms (should you get them) or making sure that you stay healthy and unaffected.
4. Real411
Media Monitoring Africa recently relaunched the Real411 platform (originally set up during the South African elections) to allow members of the public to report disinformation and other objectionable speech to a Digital Complaints Committee.
5. News24
News24 has set up their own hub where they cover a number of topics related to the virus such as 'Your 10 most searched Corona Virus questions answered', 'Are kids a risk to their grandparents?' 'Will a mask really protect you?' 'How to keep Corona Virus anxiety at bay' and many more.
6. Mail & Guardian
For more information on the social and economic effects of the virus, visit the M&G hub. Topics such as the local government's reaction to the virus and the effects on industries throughout the world (such as airlines) that the virus is having are examined.
Business as usual
Many companies are giving employees the opportunity to work from home, to avoid contact with each other. However, not everyone is able to work remotely. This helpful guide can assist with making your workplace COVID-19 ready.
If you are able to work from home then please have a look at our helpful tips on getting the best out of your working day.
Remember to clean your hands regularly and thoroughly with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water to kill viruses that may be on your hands. Maintain at least 1-metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Always use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze to prevent droplets from spreading the virus.
Most importantly, be calm, cautious and vigilant to ensure that any health risk to you or your loved ones is managed responsibly. If you have queries and concerns, the COVID-19 hotline 0800 029 999 operates from Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm.
If you haven’t done so already, please download the Covid Alert SA App. It’s safe, and secure, and could save your life. You can download it for iOS and for Android .
