Coronavirus latest: DIRCO issue warning for South Africans in China
The government have a stark message for South Africans currently in China, warning both students and visitors on how to handle the coronavirus outbreak.
The deadly coronavirus – which has killed at least 58 people since the outbreak was reported in China earlier this month – has been detected in several other countries in the past week. Both the US and Israel have confirmed cases, and it would seem that South Africans are also at risk of contracting the illness.
The Department for International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) have issued a set of guidelines for SA citizens in China. This Wuhan Province is the epicentre of the fatal disease, and it’s been completely isolated from the outside world in a bid to stop the coronavirus from spreading.
Advice for South Africans in China
The government have asked learners studying in China to inform the government about any plans they have to come back home. Abandoning a bursary or scholarship – no matter the circumstances – can land a student in trouble. For other South African nationals in the country, they’ve been told to inform the SA Embassy if they contract the illness:
“South African students in China need to adhere to instructions issued by the university. If you want to return home, you or your parents should contact the bursars or sponsors. Please be advised that leaving the university for SA without permission can have far reaching consequences.”
“SA citizens in China with flu symptoms should report to a hospital in their area of residence. If diagnosed with the virus please inform the South African Embassy. Public health authorities will likely inform the Embassy too. At this stage no SA citizens have been diagnosed with the virus.”
Is the coronavirus in South Africa?
The National Institutite for Communicable Diseases (NICD) have released a statement, confirming what they’ve done to prepare for any reported cases in South Africa. They have briefed the medical professionals on how to treat these patients, and reminded the public that no coronavirus cases have been discovered in Mzansi as of Sunday 26 January 2020.
It’s also been revealed that port authorities – at all major points of entry into South Africa – have increased their checks on travellers coming from China and Asia. The “increased surveillance” will ensure that all rigorous checks on visitors from this region are completed, to drastically limit our chances of having the coronavirus land in Mzansi.
ℹ️ [NOTICE]: Information on the Coronavirus for South Africans travelling to, or those already in China & affected destinations in Asia. Contact the S.A Embassy on +86 135 010 59041 or +86 138 117 37151
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) January 26, 2020
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