The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) will update the media on the first confirmed South African case of Covid-19, revealed to be a 38-year-old male who had returned from Italy.
'I'm much better', says man with SA's first case of coronavirus
"I believe I'm on the path to recovery and am feeling much better than I was a few days ago. I remain in self-isolation until I have been given the all-clear. I trust the worst is over and I’m coming to grips with it.
"These were the words of the 38-year-old Hilton businessman who was confirmed positive with South Africa' s first case of Covid-19 on Thursday.
Songtian speaking about Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize: I like him, he keeps his eyes close to China and the world.
We have one case, no need to panic.
We need to recognise, identify and isolate immediately. This coronavirus is curable - Ambassador.
On one hand we are concerned about coronavirus spreading, on the other hand, economic development.
It (coronavirus) will have an impact on our economic recovery. We need to share the responsibility, says Songtian.
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Songtian says various studies have revealed:
- First human ingestion should have happened before November 2019, meaning that virus was spread to China.
- Coronavirus may have been in Italy for weeks before China.
- Many spread in Italy two weeks before case in China.
Songtian says study by scientists from Europe, US and Japan shows that the source of Covid-19 remains unclear. He says they are aware of people saying the virus "is made in China", but unfortunately that is not true.
WATCH | NICD explains what happens now that Covid-19 has reached SA
The news of the first confirmed Covid-19 case in South Africa, has stirred concern among South Africans who fear they too may fall victim to the deadly virus.
Coronavirus: Authorities pull out all stops, high-level meeting planned with KZN school
South Africa's health authorities are pulling out all the stops since the news broke that there was one case of coronavirus in South Africa.
A high-level meeting is expected to be held on Friday with the authorities of the school which the children of South Africa's first coronavirus patients attend, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
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Coronavirus: Thaba Nchu community in Free State fearful after quarantine rumours circulate
The small rural community of Thaba Nchu in the Free State is fearful and angry after rumours spread that the town will be chosen as a site of quarantine for South Africans returning from Wuhan, China - the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Black Mountain Hotel, perched on a mountain at the end of a long, isolated road in Groot Hoek, has allegedly been inspected by government for this purpose.
Coronavirus: Defence force staff 'unwilling' to man plane destined to fetch South Africans from China
An aircraft has been secured for the repatriation of 184 South African citizens from Wuhan, China, amid the global outbreak of the Covid-19 virus, but South African National Defence Force (SANDF) crew members are refusing to make the potentially dangerous journey.
On Friday, Mail & Guardian (M&G) reported that a senior official intimately familiar with the discussions said defence force personnel were unwilling to man the aircraft.
Ramaphosa has tried to quell any hysteria after the first coronavirus case in the country
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the media at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria on Thursday after the country’s first confirmed case of coronavirus was announced.
"We will keep informing South Africans openly and transparently about the steps we are taking. It will turn out to be a national crisis and we do need to keep our people informed. The effect is going to be big and South Africans need to be prepared," said the president.
KZN school closes in face of coronavirus fears
The first positive case of Covid-19 was reported on 5 March in Kwa-Zulu Natal and within hours Cowan House Prep School, in Hilton, KZN, announced that they will be closing for the day on 6 March.
The school has been in constant communication with the experts at the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Headmaster Derek Braans and Chairperson of the Board Andrew Barnes revealed in a statement, adding that their advice has been that it is unnecessary to close the school.
Coronavirus: What to do if you think you might be infected
Professor Cheryl Cohen of the NICD said: "If you are concerned and you meet the case definition, ideally, you should call ahead to a healthcare facility to let them know you are coming, but you should seek care.
"If that's not possible, you should identify yourself very quickly at the facility, and make sure you don't mix with other people."
Daniel Silke: Coronavirus heaps pressure on Zweli Mhkize
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize is facing substantial pressure following the confirmation of South Africa’s first COVID-19 case in KwaZulu-Natal today.
The Minister is already under fire for huge delivery and efficiency gaps in South Africa's state hospitals and the coronavirus crisis will physically put a strain on a state-health sector already heavily stretched.