Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on 15 March declaring a state of disaster in the country over the outbreak of coronavirus, this is what various ministers had to say at a briefing on 16 March.
Department of Health
Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize confirmed that the number of infected people in the country was 61 on 16 March and two of which were medical professionals. Although Mkhize said they were not ruling out a state of emergency to deal with the virus, he said there was a need to increase the testing capacity. Mkhize added that the cases currently reported did not require hospitalisation and the government was in talks with private hospitals to avail facilities should the demand arise.
Department of Transport
Minister of Transport Department Fikile Mbalula said that the department would take precautionary measures including where public transport is concerned. He said taxis and trains would undergo sanitisation. He also added that there would be random screenings at taxi ranks and train stations.
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Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta)
Minister of Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said when the need arises, local government has to identify areas in municipalities where people can be quarantined especially for those who lack self-quarantine space. Dlamini-Zuma said bi-elections would be affected and some elections may have to be postponed. She said the IEC would have to approach the court to extend the 90-day deadline.
Department of Trade and Industry
Minister Ebrahim Patel said that they were looking at industries to reduce the spread of the virus through measures of social distancing, industrial hygiene. Patel said they would see how workplace medical facilities can be used for staff and, in some cases, surrounding communities. He said they had identified six areas of work that they’ll seek to support to contain the virus and to ensure economic means to fighting it including monitoring the impact on global economy and export channels.
Department of Home Affairs
Ramaphosa mentioned that 35 of 72 ports of entries would be closed down. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said measures taken on the ports would not affect commerce. He said that Saldana Bay and Mossel Bay seaports of entry would not be allowed to disembark passengers.
What do you think government is not doing to effectively curb the spread of the virus?
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