“Members on all Health Squared benefit options, including the entry-level Foundation option, are advised that – true to our promise of ensuring members are covered from every angle – we have made provision for the full cost of COVID-19 diagnostics to be covered from the risk pool, rather than from members’ savings for at-risk members. Treatment for COVID-19 will also, of course, be fully covered from risk” says Health Squared Principal Officer David Smith. 

“Importantly, members at risk for COVID-19 will have the costs of testing for the viral infection covered irrespective of the results, as well as any associated treatments if the test comes back positive. This means that all claims will be paid from the scheme’s pool of funds reserved for risk benefits, which means that your Medical Savings Account will not be affected,” Smith confirms. This makes HEALTH SQUARED one of very few schemes, if not the only scheme, that has committed to fund diagnostic procedures from risk, irrespective of the results.

 

At-risk members who will have access to this benefit include those who:

“The information available through the World Health Organization [WHO] indicates that the majority of people who contract COVID-19 will recover fully within a few weeks. So far, global trends indicate that approximately one in five people who fall ill with COVID-19 could require hospitalisation,” adds Dr Jacques Snyman, Medical Director of Agility Health, the scheme’s administrator and managed care provider. 

The virus that causes COVID-19 is encased in a protective covering that allows it to survive outside the body, and hence remain infectious, for longer than many other viruses. 

“For this reason, it is important to wash our hands with soap and preferably hot water for at least 20 seconds while vigorously rubbing and scrubbing all surfaces of the hand – from the fingertips, under and around the nails, between the fingers, on the palms and the backs of the hands, and the wrists up to the mid-forearm. 

“Drying the hands is very important, however you should not risk contaminating your clean hands with a towel that others have used. Disposable paper towels are a good option, and one could consider following this with a hand sanitiser or hand rub that has an alcohol content of at least 60%.

Door handles, cell phones, taps, turnstiles, access key pads, fingerprint recognition systems, refrigerator or cupboard doors and ATMs are just a few of the surfaces we come into contact with frequently that could harbour traces of the novel coronavirus. 

“How long the virus can survive on surfaces depends on various factors, but the safest bet is to frequently disinfect surfaces that are touched often or by numerous people. In public spaces, in the workplace and at home, we need to start considering how we can protect ourselves and others through simple routine hygiene measures. 

Maintaining personal distance, preferably more than a metre, from other people can help to reduce the risk of infection. “Especially if a person is showing signs of respiratory illness, such as coughing or sneezing, it is advisable to keep your distance. It is believed that the virus could be contagious even before a person begins to feel ill, so it is a good idea to avoid getting close to others wherever possible.”

Dr Snyman points out that anyone who is coughing or sneezing should cover their nose and mouth, either with a tissue or with the inner crook of their elbow, to prevent droplets spraying onto people or surfaces nearby. “Dispose of the tissue in a sealed bin, and wash your hands well immediately afterwards.”

The mouth, nose and eyes are places where the virus can easily enter the body, and it is therefore recommended that we make every effort not to touch our faces in an effort to prevent infection.

“The evidence so far indicates that those with chronic illnesses, particularly where their conditions are not properly managed, could be at increased risk of complications of COVID-19. This suggests it is crucial for people living with chronic health conditions to adhere to their prescribed treatment.

“The unique and patient-centered Patient Driven Care™ programme available to members of Health Squared offers personalised support to individuals with chronic illnesses,” Dr Snyman explains. 

“If you suspect that you may have COVID-19, it is important to phone your designated service provider and let them know your specific concerns before arriving at the practice. This will help the healthcare practitioner to make the necessary arrangements in advance, so that they can assist you while safeguarding others against possible transmission,” Dr Snyman says. 

“For most people, it is likely that the experience of COVID-19 illness will be similar to that of falling ill with influenza. There is certainly no need to panic, however it is important that we take basic precautions and incorporate these behaviours into our everyday lives,” he concluded.