Covid-19: Over 10 000 evacuations, repatriations conducted
King Shaka International Airport has facilitated the repatriation of 50 foreign nationals and the evacuation of 49 South Africans.
TRANSPORT Minister Fikile Mbalula has noted ongoing operations, which have facilitated the evacuation and repatriation of 13 783 passengers from the start of April.
In a statement, the minister noted the evacuation and repatriation operations at Gauteng’s O.R.Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
Through the three airports, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has facilitated the evacuation and repatriation of 13 783 passengers from 1 – 18 April 2020.
O.R. Tambo International has facilitated the repatriation of 5 768 foreign nationals and the evacuation of 2 465 South Africans.
Read also: Essential services businesses need new certificate for extended lockdown
Cape Town International has facilitated the repatriation of 5 086 foreign nationals and the evacuation of 365 South Africans.
King Shaka International, meanwhile, has facilitated the repatriation of 50 foreign nationals and the evacuation of 49 South Africans.
The evacuation and repatriation flights were permitted in terms of the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs regulations, which allow foreign nationals stranded in South Africa to return to their respective countries and South Africans stranded abroad to come back home.
“Adherence to Covid-19 safety regulations and hygiene measures remained a priority in the evacuation and repatriation processes.
“Relevant stakeholders implemented the screening, testing, isolation and quarantine guidelines to ensure the safety of all involved,” said the Department of Transport.
*Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532. 
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.
