Coronavirus: Why South Africa can breathe a sigh of relief on Wednesday

A worker in northern Limpopo who was isolated and screened for coronavirus symptoms has been cleared of having the disease on Wednesday. The deadly illness has killed almost 500 people, with nearly 20 000 cases reported worldwide. Both Botswana and Namibia have also had to quarantine some of their citizens.

First South African tested for coronavirus

It was reported this week that a male patient, who works as a baggage handler at a cross-border checkpoint between Botswana and South Africa, was officially the first person in SA suspected of having the disease.

He was admitted to the Ellisras Hospital in Lephalale. The coal-mining town is sandwiched between the neighbouring settlement of Ons Hoop and the D’Nyala Nature Reserve. We understand he sought medical treatment after coming down with a high fever and bouts of sickness.

Confirmed: No coronavirus in South Africa

However, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) – and two other official bodies – have dismissed the fears that may have been mounting in Mzansi:

“There have been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in South Africa. We have tested a number of samples and no samples have tested positive. We continue to intensify our surveillance systems and preparedness should a case reach our borders.”

Cheryl Cohen of the NICD

• The National Health Ministry earlier confirmed to us that the border worker does not have the coronavirus.
• The Limpopo Health Department revealed the hospital will discharge the patient on Wednesday.
• Furthermore, The NICD reiterated that there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in SA after this “scare”.

Precautions stepped up in Limpopo

In Limpopo, professional nurses and environmental health practitioners at Groblersbridge Border Post between South Africa and Botswana have been deployed to monitor the busy checkpoint. Thermometers and other necessary resources have been provided, to ensure immigrants are being tested for potential symptoms of the coronavirus.

The NICD have also published information regarding the spread of the disease:

The General Public Toll-free number for #coronavirus information is 0800 029 999. pic.twitter.com/R53jVaxVZI

— NICD (@nicd_sa) February 5, 2020