On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster following a rise in coronavirus cases in South Africa.
Coronavirus in SA: How many infections have been recorded?
Since the respiratory virus broke out on Thursday 5 March, there have been 50 cases reported by the Health Department, with many more anticipated in the coming days.
Despite Ramaphosa’s assertion that there are 61 cases of coronavirus in South Africa, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has maintained, in its most recent statement, that there are 51 patients currently being treated for coronavirus.
Foreign nationals from these countries are banned from SA
One of the key measures the government has taken to prevent the further spread of coronavirus is to close down most of its ports of entry to foreign nationals.
Ramaphosa announced that all forms of travel to high-risk countries will be suspended indefinitely from Wednesday 18 March.
Therefore, travellers from the following countries are, in the interim, will not be allowed passage into South Africa.
- Italy
- Iran
- South Korea
- Spain
- Germany
- United States
- United Kingdom
- China
The president confirmed that all visa applications previously approved from the countries listed above have effectively been revoked.
“South African citizens are advised to refrain from all forms of travel to or through the European Union, United States, United Kingdom and other identified high-risk countries such as China, Iran and South Korea. This is effective immediately,” the president said.
Intensified screening, quarantine for returning South Africans
For South Africans currently travelling in these mid-to-high risk parts, there will be a stringent screening and isolation process they will be subjected to upon entry into our borders.
Ramaphosa explained that citizens who return from high-risk countries will have to undergo intense testing and self-isolation — or quarantine — for at least 14 days before they can be integrated into society.
South Africans returning from mid-level risk countries such as Portugal, Hong Kong and Singapore, will undergo high-intensity screening.
“We will strengthen surveillance, screening and testing measures at OR Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka International Airports
South Africa has 72 ports of entry in the country which are land, sea and airports. Of the 53 land ports, 35 will be shut down with effect from Monday 16 March.“Two of the eight seaports will be closed for passengers and crew changes. Effective immediately, all non-essential travel for all spheres of government outside of the Republic is prohibited. We further discourage all non-essential domestic travel, particularly by air,rail, taxis and bus,” Ramaphosa explained.
Coronavirus death toll in South Africa
South Africa’s infection rate is on the rise but as of now, coronavirus has not claimed any lives.
