Share

Coronavirus: South Africans repatriated from Wuhan to arrive on Friday

The 122 South Africans who are expected to be repatriated from Wuhan, China, are due to arrive in South Africa on Friday, according to Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu.

FOLLOW | Western Cape schools close gates over coronavirus fears, as SA total reaches 17

He briefed the media about the outcomes of Wednesday's Cabinet meeting and the coronavirus (Covid-19) featured prominently in his statement and in journalists' questions.

"Cabinet reassures all in South Africa that every precaution is being taken to safeguard the country against any surge of Covid-19," Mthembu said.

"The Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, reported to Cabinet that there were 13 cases of Covid-19 in South Africa. This morning, the Minister of Health confirmed that another four new cases have been identified, bringing the number of Covid-19 cases to 17. He will provide further details during the course of the day."

He said the Cabinet reiterated the World Health Organisation's (WHO) call for all South Africans to take preventative measures to stop the spread of the virus.

READ | Coronavirus: Herzlia closes its schools, awaits outcome of parent's Covid-19 test

The measures include washing hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

In addition, South Africans were urged to avoiding touching their eyes, noses and mouths with unwashed hands and to use a tissue to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. The tissue should then be discarded.

'Caution against false information'

"Common symptoms of the virus include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. When displaying the symptoms as described above, individuals are advised to stay home and seek medical assistance," Mthembu said.

"We appeal to all to respect the privacy of Covid-19 patients and their families. We also strongly caution against the dissemination of any false information related to the virus so as to prevent the spread of fear, stigma and discrimination within our society. Concerned individuals can contact the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) hotline on 0800 029 999 for accurate information regarding Covid-19."

He said the Cabinet reiterated President Cyril Ramaphosa's well wishes to the repatriation team and South African Airways (SAA) crew members who departed on Tuesday to Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus's spread, to repatriate the South Africans.

READ | Coronavirus: Protea Hotels confirms resort in Polokwane will be used as quarantine site

"The medical team from the Department of Health and the military medical defence force forms part of the repatriation team. Cabinet has expressed its appreciation to South African Airways for their valuable assistance in this repatriation exercise.

"The repatriation team and the repatriated South Africans are expected back in the country this Friday, 13 March 2020. Upon their return, they will be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days, to a maximum of 21 days. During this period, the movement of people and goods in and out of the quarantine zone will be restricted.

"We strongly caution people against attempting to make any physical contact or attempting to visit the quarantine zone. Once the quarantine period ends, and tests confirm no underlying Covid-19 virus infection of our compatriots, they will be released back into their respective communities."

Mthembu added: "All the South Africans coming home are as healthy as anything. They have not contracted the disease," Mthembu added. The quarantine is precautionary.

Government footing the bill

"Their parents have said: 'Can you bring our kids home?'" Mthembu added.

He said the repatriation was based on an agreement with the government, which included keeping the repatriated South Africans in quarantine.

"It's in their interests, but it is in the public interest, too."

The government will foot the quarantine bill.

READ | SA's coronavirus 'patient zero' doing well, will be discharged soon - KwaZulu-Natal health MEC

Mthembu said the Cabinet commended the work done by the inter-ministerial committee tasked with dealing with Covid-19, led by Mkhize, which worked with the NICD.

"Cabinet appreciates that most provinces have deferred communication on this Covid-19 matter to the Minister of Health because of its national and international importance. We urge all other provinces to also follow suit to ensure centralisation of communication and therefore avoid any unintended confusion and uncoordinated messaging.

"President Ramaphosa will soon update political parties represented in Parliament as well as church leaders on Covid-19. A special Cabinet on Covid-19 is being convened for this Sunday, 15 March 2020, in Tshwane."

Mthembu referred several matters – such as a travel ban and the closure of public events - to Mkhize, who is expected to address the media later on Thursday.

Stay up to date and stay healthy. Subscribe to Health24’s Daily Dose newsletter for important updates on the spread of the coronavirus. Register and manage your newsletters in the new News24 app by clicking on the Profile tab.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
42% - 357 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
58% - 494 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.93
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.91
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.44
+0.1%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.1%
Platinum
906.59
+1.1%
Palladium
1,012.66
+1.1%
Gold
2,221.01
+1.2%
Silver
24.85
+0.9%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.9%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.9%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE