Dirco advises SA travelers to China to stay informed about coronavirus

According to the Department's Lunga Ngqengelele, no South African has been infected with the SARS-like virus yet, but they might be affected by travel bans implemented in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. 

"We are advising South Africans who are considering traveling to China and other Asian countries to make sure they look out for the news in terms of which areas have got the coronavirus," says Ngqengelele. 

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He adds: "Those who are already in those areas must make sure that they observe the regulations that have been put forward by the local authorities because they are meant to assist them that they don't acquire this virus." 

Last week, the Department of Health said it is working on a detailed plan of action following the outbreak of the coronavirus. 

The Department's Lwazi Manzi said they are meeting with various health bodies as more cases are reported in countries overseas, including the WHO and NICD. 

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said it has measures in place to guard against the spread of the pneumonia-like virus from China into South Africa.