If you require any further information on COVID-19, visit the sacoronavirus.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions - Screening and Testing

Screening is a way for health workers to find out if you may have COVID-19 or not. The health worker will ask you questions and scan your forehead to take your temperature.

The health worker will ask if you:

  • have travelled to a high risk country in the last 14 days
  • have had contact with anyone with confirmed COVID-19 in the last 14 days
  • have symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty in breathing

You must be honest when you answer the questions to make sure you get the right help.

You must self-quarantine. This means that you should stay at home for 14 days and monitor yourself for symptoms such as a dry cough, fever and difficulty breathing. Stay away from older people and people with a compromised immune system or underlying condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

If the health worker think that you may have COVID-19 they will refer you to a health facility to be tested.

You will be allowed to go on home and must keep on doing things to protect yourself:

  • wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser
  • cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze
  • do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth
  • avoid close contact (1 meter) with people who are unwell
  • stay at home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell

There is a limited number of test kits in South Africa. To decide who should be tested, health workers will use a formula by looking at how serious your symptoms are and what high risk factors you have.

Learn more to be READY for #COVID

Emergency Helpline: 0800 029 999

Whatsapp Support Line: 0600-123456

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