NATIONAL NEWS - The passengers on the return flights who sat in the two rows in front and two rows behind the KwaZulu-Natal man who was infected with the Corona-virus while on holiday in Italy, have been tested for the virus and given the all-clear.
The national minister of health, Zweli Mkhize’s spokesperson, Popo Maja, told George Herald it would be over-kill to test all those on board as the virus is transmitted by direct contact and “droplets”.
“Passengers on flights from high-risk areas such as Italy also receive information pamphlets urging them to get tested for the virus should they display any symptoms.”
The infected man from Hilton in KZN returned to the province on 1 March via OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and King Shaka Airport in Durban.
He went to the doctor on 3 March and has been in self-isolation since. Travellers’ temperatures are screened at airports, but this is not full-proof as samples are only taken if there is a strong suspicion that someone may be infected.
Fake news on social media – especially on whatsapp – has added to the Corona hysteria and South Africans are asked to refrain from forwarding any unverified voice notes or posts.
Should any new cases of Covid19 appear, the ministry of health will issue a statement immediately and this will be published on all reputable websites such as www.georgeherald.com.
According to The Witness newspaper, the man, who wishes to remain unidentified, is much better and on the road to recovery.
China repatriation
Meanwhile Government has dismissed reports contained in a Mail & Guardian article that South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers are not willing to travel to Wuhan, China, to repatriate citizens. According to SAnews.gov.za, Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS) Acting Director-General Phumla Williams said the article misinforms the public about government’s handling of the repatriation of South Africans. “The article casts aspersions on the work of government on the repatriation process of South African nationals from Wuhan, China, by an unnamed source. The discourse in the article about SANDF officials is also deceptive, as all hands are on deck to ensure a smooth repatriation process of our people. Government reassures all South Africans that government is on track with the repatriation process,” Williams said on Friday.
“All services that are required for the repatriation are being finalised and the public will be informed accordingly.”
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