The Department of Health has confirmed that the number of positive cases in the country has risen to 24, with two of these found in the Western Cape. A 50-year-old male who had travelled to Switzerland and Austria and a 46-year-old male who had travelled to Italy had all tested positive.
This number has now grown to three as United Herzlia Schools confirmed the parent suspected of contracting the virus in the United States is positive.
“Unfortunately, the parent has tested positive. Yesterday, we committed to communicating facts only – in discussion with the family this morning, we are heartened to report that he is feeling much better, is almost symptom-free and remains at home,” said the School in a statement.
This means the School will remain closed next week until the end of school holidays.
Coronavirus has dominated South African news, with multiple suspected cases, warnings and updates being put out to the public regularly.
Public concern
The public has been urged not to panic, with many suspected cases causing alarm.
Yesterday, March 12, patients at St Vincent Clinic in Belhar rushed out in a panic as they suspected that one visitor of the clinic may have the virus. However, the patient in question has been tested and was found negative for the coronavirus.
Another case, one of local transmission, was suspected but has since been confirmed to be negative.
The Department of Health has been communicating new cases once they have been confirmed.
Businesses have also taken extra measures to ensure minimum spread of the virus. Many are distributing hand sanitizer and educating employees on best hygiene practices. Some have also started requiring employees who have been overseas recently to make this known and to work from home upon returning to the country.
Repatriated citizens
The 122 South African citizens who were evacuated from the lockdown in Wuhan are arriving in the country today, Friday March 13, 2020.
The National Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize announced that the Ranch Resort in Polokwane, Limpopo has been selected as the quarantine site. The decision was made after going through 84 possible locations.
Mkhize assured the public that the returning citizens are healthy and do not carry the virus – the quarantine is merely a precaution.
After the repatriated South Africans arrive, they will be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days and a maximum of 21 days after which they will be go back into their communities should they test negatively for the virus. “During this period, the movement of people and goods in and out of the quarantine zone will be restricted,” he said.
Medical examination of employees of the RANCH HOTEL by doctors and nurses is currently underway. Repatriated Soutg Africans from Wuhan will be quarantined at the The Ranch Hotel. With MEC @HealthLimpopo @PhophiRamathuba overseeing the process #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/FLug1aGU6A
— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) March 13, 2020
South Africans have been warned against making attempts to visit the quarantine zone.
The Government has urged citizens to avoid spreading fake news.
If you believe you may be ill after coming into contact with a person who has tested positive, contact the NICD on: 0800 029 999
Also read: WHO declares coronavirus a pandemic
Picture: Unsplash