Watch: If the coronavirus comes to South Africa, are we ready to fight it?

Let’s be real, we all wonder how we would handle the coronavirus if it had to make its way to South Africa. The scariest part — it seems as though the virus is creeping a little closer to the tip of Africa with each new day. 

On Friday 28 February, Nigeria reported its first new coronavirus case. The virus has killed more than 2 800 people and infected over 83 000 worldwide — according to AFP — the vast majority in China. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has, however, voiced concern about Africa’s preparedness, warning that the continent’s health care systems were ill-equipped to respond to a COVID-19 epidemic.

Nevertheless, comedic Youtuber DevDonDidIt, in association with TheSouthAfrican.com took to the streets to ask locals what they think of the coronavirus and how they would deal with it if found here. 

Here’s how South Africa and its people plan to tackle the coronavirus — the good, the bad and the strange all rolled into one.  

Watch: Here’s how South Africans would take on the coronavirus 

South Africans suspect they could have the coronavirus 

A group of young men can be seen in the video. One of them says he sometimes feels as though he has the coronavirus. 

“I thought I had it because I was feeling sick,” he said. 

Surely there’s been a point where at least one of us, after coughing up a storm, thought the same thing.

Would South Africa be able to handle the virus? 

When the public was asked whether South Africa would be able to handle and contain the virus, South Africans were not at all optimistic, saying definitely not. 

One person said that if we couldn’t handle listeriosis then we wouldn’t be able to handle the coronavirus. Another said that if we can’t keep the lights on, referring to Eskom, why would we be able to contain the virus. All valid points, we have to admit. 

Some also said our infrastructure and governmet won’t be able to handle it the way other countries do. Another person said she thinks the coronavirus is a myth, which is slightly worrying.

What preventative measures should South Africa take? 

When asked what South Africa should do to prevent the virus, the answers were weird and wonderful to say the least. Some, who you can tell read the news, said that masks should be handed out, while others said hydration and hygiene are key.

Other suggestions were lock yourself in a room, don’t eat raw fish, use protection when having sex with people from other countries and stay away from chinese people. 

When asked about old wives remedies as preventative measures to combat the virus, the public suggested some sunlight liquid and water, Vaseline, soup and Mampoer, otherwise known as Moonshine. 

We think after all the answers from the public, that South Africa is fully ready for the coronavirus, or do we?