Photo: AFP/Haidar HAMDANI
Coronavirus: Hunt is on for ‘eight other travellers in SA’ who need testing
South Africa’s first coronavirus patient also had a stop-off in Johannesburg before returning to Durban – and the authorities need to locate several others.
Photo: AFP/Haidar HAMDANI
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has confirmed that the government are searching for eight other people believed to have travelled with South Africa’s “patient zero” for coronavirus. A 38-year-old man in KwaZulu-Natal became the first person to be diagnosed with the killer disease in Mzansi.
What we know about the coronavirus in South Africa
The sickly holidaymaker had returned from Italy on 1 March. He and his wife were in a travelling party of 10. The spouse’s whereabouts are known to the authorities, but the government is till looking to locate the other eight. During Mkhize’s briefing, it was revealed to the public:
- South Africa *might* run out of protective clothing – but at the moment, there’s enough stock to respond.
- Citizens are urged to self-quarantine if they have associated symptoms (fever, headaches, sore throats).
- The patient had no symptoms when he arrived back home. He says he only started experiencing them three days after arriving in SA.
- He had previously landed at OR Tambo International Airport, before taking another flight to Durban.
Other patients in South Africa may have COVID-19
The health minister had been part of a Parliamentary debate, which took place just minutes after the coronavirus case was confirmed by his department. Continuing to address the issue, Mkhize stated:
“We are tracking down the other eight people the man travelled with to Italy so they can be quarantined and tested. We will be tracking down anyone else who may have travelled from or to the same place in Italy where this man had travelled so they can also be tested.
“There are hospitals that are ready to treat patients. The National Operations Centre will be open 24 hours. South Africa is not at a stage where there is a need to close down schools. This only happens when a significant number of cases are reported.”
Zweli Mkhize
#CoronaVirusSA Mkhize warns on fake news that is being spread. He says this is causing unnecessary panic and the correct information should be shared. He commends the SA media for its work so far.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) March 5, 2020
