Ramaphosa: No need to panic, remain vigilant as coronavirus hits SA shores
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to be vigilant following the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in South Africa.
Ramaphosa address the media at Waterkloof Airforce Base in Tshwane shortly after it was confirmed that a South African man in KwaZulu-Natal tested positive for the deadly coronavirus.
A 38-year-old South African man tested positive after landing at OR Tambo International Airport on March 1 on a flight from Italy.
The man subsequently took a flight to KwaZulu-Natal where he started experiencing symptoms three days later.
Ramaphosa warned that an outbreak of the deadly virus could have a massive impact on the country, including on travel, tourism and the already ailing South African economy.
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He briefed Parliament and the media in Cape Town on Thursday. A 38-year-old South African man tested positive after landing at OR Tambo International Airport on March 1 from Italy. Mkhize says the man subsequently took a flight to KwaZulu-Natal where he started experiencing symptoms three days later.
“We should be alert so that if people either showing signs or symptoms should immediately be able to get medical assistance and all our medical care people must be informed and their alertness in dealing with the matter is much of a higher level,” said Ramaphosa.
At the same time he gave an assurance that the government will take the necessary measure to deal with the virus.
“We should be rest assured that government will demonstrate its seriousness in dealing with this matter. We will continue to be transparent and ensure that we handle this matter with necessary care it requires.”
Ramaphosa added that the government is in constant contact with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and will keep South Africans informed on what steps need to be taken.