PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the repatriation of South African citizens from the Wuhan city in China, following the outbreak of the coronavirus.
“The cabinet has decided on this course of action after due consideration of the circumstances, and following several requests from the families of South Africans in the city,” according to a statement issued by the republic of South Africa on Thursday.
It is estimated that there are 199 South Africans citizens in Wuhan, according to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, however, only 132 have thus far expressed the desire to be repatriated, the statement added
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The statement assured fellow South Africans that not a single one of the individuals have been diagnosed with the virus, or exhibited any symptoms thereof.
However, once they arrive in the country they will be placed in quarantine for 21 days as an additional precautionary measure.
“These compatriots are currently living under lockdown conditions following the outbreak of the corona virus.”
“Government has been in constant communication with the families of all affected individuals and relevant departments have made the necessary arrangements to receive them.”
Assistance will be provided during the repatriation and quarantine processes by the Departments of Health and Defence.
The COVID-19 virus (Corona Virus), was first reported in Wuhan, China in November 2019.
Since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of the virus the city of Wuhan has been on a month-long lockdown, in an effort to contain the virus.
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