MODDERFONTEIN: SA says it is ready to tackle deadly coronavirus – Audio

The National Institute of Communicable Disease (NICD) hosted the Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize, World Health Organisation (WHO) representatives and health industry leaders, for a media briefing at their Modderfontein Road office regarding South Africa’s readiness for any coronavirus threat.

The briefing took place on January 29.

Mkhize said research into the epidemiology, and the natural history of the coronavirus, was ongoing.

“Although the origin of the disease is in Wuhan City in China, it is suspected to be from animal origin. Evidence suggests that the current spread is from human to human.

“WHO estimated that seasonal influenza may result in 290 000 to 650 000 deaths each year due to respiratory diseases alone. This perspective is important to maintain lest we get distracted and lose sight of ongoing priorities,” said Mkhize.

The Department of Health published travel advice on January 27 based on WHO’s recommendations.

These take into consideration all factors which determine the level of threat to a particular territory.

“The guidelines have not recommended any restriction on travel and trade, but it is recommended that non-essential travel to Wuhan City of Hubei Province should be avoided,” said Mkhize.

“Wuhan City is essentially quarantined and five million citizens have been evacuated. Chinese authorities have closed all public transport entering and leaving Wuhan and other areas in Hubei province.

“We have received a number of queries regarding the safety and health security of our citizens living in China, particularly those in Wuhan City of Hubei Province. As a department, it is standard procedure to monitor emergent outbreaks, and we are currently tracking a plethora of pathogens including those viruses of pandemic potential like H5N1, and the coronavirus is no exception.”

Mkhize said SA has responded to the virus the way it has to ensure that the coronavirus does not become a threat.

“In the recent past, we have effectively responded to public health issues such as the Ebola virus outbreak that is ongoing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Due to the rapidly evolving situation in China, a meeting was convened by the Chinese Foreign Ministry with diplomatic missions on January 27. China reassured us that there is no evidence to support the necessity to evacuate foreign nationals living in Wuhan City,” said Mkhize.

As a result, everyone entering or leaving Wuhan will be subjected to a 14-day quarantine [period] to ensure they do not develop symptoms.

“Foreign nationals who need medical assistance for whatever reason will be treated like Chinese citizens, and be afforded all the medical care necessary.

“The Department of International Relations and Cooperation collaborated with the relevant stakeholders to respond appropriately to the needs of our citizens who either may want to go to, exit or remain in China.

“It is important to understand how we respond as a country, and this must represent the best interests of the people whom we intend to help,”said Mkhize.

Mkhize said contrary to some media reports, there was no evidence to suggest that the genotype of the organism is mutating.

“The virus still looks the same now as the first one isolated in December. The department is aware of the cases that have emerged in countries outside of China, and is closely tracking the movements of the virus.

“Closer to our shores, we are aware that there is a suspected case under investigation in Zambia, and the NICD is closely monitoring that situation,” said Mkhize.

For more information on the coronavirus or other diseases, visit www.nicd.ac.za.

For medical and clinically related queries contact the NICD hotline on +27 82 883 9920.

• By January 31, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee reconvened to announce a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

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