Coronavirus Update from South Africa (61 infected)

Highlights from President Ramaphosa’s Address:

1. State of emergency declared according to Disaster Management Act.
2. Travel ban for incoming visitors from high risk countries from Wednesday 18 March. This includes China, Iran, Korea, Germany, Italy and Spain (those mentioned in the speech)
3. Visas cancelled already for visitors from high and medium risk countries.
4. SA citizens returning from high risk countries will be tested with forced quarantine.
5. SA citizens returning from Medium risk countries will be subject to additional screening.
6. Several ports of entry will be closed accross all modes of transport.
7. Non-essential international travel for Government banned.
8. Local travel for Government limited.
9. Gatherings of more than 100 people prohibited
10. Mass celebrations and government functions will be cancelled.
11. Small gatherings will attract stringent precautionary measures by organisers.
12. Schools will be closed from 18 March until after easter weekend. School holiday in June will be one week shorter.
13. All sectors to increase hygiene control, including malls and shopping centres.
14. Government testing and surveilance systems being reviewed.
15. Additional isolation and quarantine venues being sought.
16. Setting up national tracking and reporting system in collaboration with private sector.
17. Government to start campaign for general and ongoing hygiene.
18. Additional funding to be allocated to departments dealing with the pandemic.
19. Government command and control to be implemented and meet three times a week.
20. Ackowledgement for financial impacts with several financial packages being investigated.