The number of coronavirus cases in South Africa is slowly climbing, with six new cases confirmed on Wednesday, including the first positive case in the Western Cape.  This takes the total number of coronavirus positive patients in South Africa to 13.

Western Cape
A 36-year-old male who had travelled to multiple countries including Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Turkey. He returned to South Africa on the 9th of March 2020.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the patient immediately visited a private health care facility where he was quarantined for 48 hours until the tests were confirmed. The man is now in self-quarantine at home.

“As per set procedures, medical professionals ensured that the person was kept in isolation for the last 48 hours (since 9 March 2020) until the laboratory tests could be confirmed. Our Outbreak Response team has been activated with health authorities (including the City of Cape Town), in association with NICD, and the team is following up all the known contacts of this patient,” said Winde.

“Contacts, including those on the flight, will be followed up and monitored for the next two weeks, as per the World Health Organisation guidelines. The travel history and movements of the person will be traced in order to ensure containment.”

Gauteng

Amongst the six new confirmed cases is also a 33 year old female who had travelled to Italy and returned on the 1st of March 2020. A couple, 34 year old male and a 33 year old female who had travelled to Germany returned to South Africa on the 9th March. Authorities also confirmed a 57 year old male who had travelled to Austria and Italy and returned to South Africa on the 9th March.

KwaZulu-Natal

In KwaZulu Natal, a 40 year old male who had travelled to Portugal tested positive after returned on the 7th March.

Minister of Health Zweli Mhkize said all the patients have now been advised. Those who are symptomatic have started receiving treatment. Mhkize said 645 tests have been conducted.

“Some of these patients are already in hospital while some, specifically those who are asymptomatic are in self quarantine. Contact tracing has also started for all these cases.”

Winde said he has activated the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to ensure the province’s preparedness to respond to the Coronavirus and seven work-streams have been established to ensure a coordinated response. He also plans to convene a Special Cabinet on Friday.

“Every resident of the Western Cape has a role to play in limiting the spread of the Coronavirus,” said Winde.

“Firstly, it is important that we stay calm and follow the direction of the NICD, regarding testing and, if necessary, isolation. They are following international best-practise and have you, and your fellow residents, best interest at heart.

If residents experience flu-like symptoms and have travelled internationally or have been in contact with someone who has travelled internationally, they should call the dedicated Coronavirus Hotline, operated by the NICD, on 0800 029 999.

Winde urged locals to practise good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the corner of your arm. More information on basic good hygiene practises can be found on our dedicated webpage: www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus.

“Lastly, please don’t spread fake news. We really need to verify all the information first. Spreading panic will only make responding more difficult. ”

“We must highlight that in the majority cases the virus presents mildly and there is a significantly high recovery rate.”

The following official channels contain important information and can be contacted:
• Provincial Facebook page: facebook.com/WCGHealth
• The provincial landing page for coronavirus information: https://westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus
• Public Hotline: 0800 029 999
• WHO contact page: (link) https://www.who.int/

VOC