The Department of Health has confirmed that four more cases of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) have been confirmed bringing the total number in the country to 17.
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said in a statement they have identified the first case of local transmission.
He said, “A 32-year-old male who came into contact with a Chinese businessman. This is the first case of local transmission as all others have been by patients who had travelled abroad.” This case is in the Free State province.
The other three cases are in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Kwa-Zulu Natal.
In Gauteng, a 43-year-old man from Johannesburg had travelled from New York via Dubai and returned to South Africa on 8 March.
All patients are in self-quarantine and have mild to moderate symptoms. Mkhize added they also on symptomatic treatment.
The department’s tracing teams are making a list and have started contacting individuals that have been identified as the patient’s contacts.
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