South Africa has recorded its first case of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The first case was said to have come from Italy via Dubai to the main airport in the eastern city of Durban.
The Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize said while briefing the media in Hilton, the eastern South African town where the man with the virus is admitted to hospital after testing positive. Mkhize was correcting earlier reports that the man had come through the main international airport in Johannesburg.
The Minister stated that there was currently no other South African coronavirus patient apart from the one reported already. The patient, a 38-year-old male was said to have traveled to Italy with his wife, part of a group of 10 people and returned on March 1.
According to the Mkize, more than 300 people have been tested for the coronavirus, while another 18, who were in contact with the patient have been quarantined.
Reacting to the impact of the recent epidemic, South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa had lamented that the virus would hurt travel and tourism, and could have a negative impact on South Africa’s already struggling economy. He, however, enjoined South Africans not to panic.
