No immediate restrictions or bans after first coronavirus case in SA
Mkhize called on the public to co-operate with the government’s efforts to reduce the spread of infection. While remaining on high alert, Mkhize said the government will not be putting any restrictions or bans in place but would be increasing vigilance in specific areas, including on a number of countries where the level of transmission was higher, so that people were encouraged to self-disclose.
The minister will also hold talks with sporting bodies, church organisations, international conference organisers and the hospitality industry about their travel as a precautionary measure and to increase awareness on the situation.
“It is going to be obviously a consultative process. We need to make sure we know how to deal with the next few months because we think the approach and the presentation of the coronavirus is changing. We just want to bring the awareness that there might be a situation developing in the country and therefore we need to work together and get their advice and if they have got any specific suggestions, we need to share information with them about where do they see the risks and what suggestions do they have.
“We will not be taking decisions for them and at the moment we don’t have any reason to enforce anything on the churches and sports bodies. We just need the leaders and organisers to be aware so that they can take the right decisions,” he said. Questions were raised about how the patient travelled through OR Tambo International Airport and then boarded a connecting flight to KwaZulu-Natal without being detected.
EFF MP @NalediChirwa debates on the urgent matter of national public importance: The Coronavirus and the readiness of South Africa to deal with the pandemic.
Watch full speech via EFF YouTube Channel https://t.co/RamIffqZGi pic.twitter.com/GjH1xYd9aX
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) March 5, 2020
In other news – SA reacts to first confirmed coronavirus case #CoronaVirusSA
Mzansi people do not rest, in less than an hour after the first confirmed coronavirus case was announced, #CoronaVirusSA was trending on Twitter.
The first case of coronavirus in the country was confirmed on Thursday. A 38-year-old man who returned home from Italy began experiencing symptoms days after he arrived, Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhize, said. His family has been quarantined. Read more
Source: Timeslive
