Coronavirus Outbreak: SA Threat Level Low, But NICD On High Alert

Riyaz Patel

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) says while the risk of the novel coronavirus which first surfaced in China remains low in South Africa, it is has nevertheless instituted active surveillance measures to identify any potential imported cases.

“There is no evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission. There are no direct flights from Wuhan to South Africa, however, it is possible that individuals could travel to South Africa from Wuhan via other countries,” said the NICD. 

The novel coronavirus, a type of pneumonia, behind the outbreak in China has not previously been identified in people even though coronaviruses are nothing new.

They are part of a big group of viruses that cause illnesses such as the common cold and gastrointestinal infections.

By Wednesday, there were more than 440 confirmed cases, and 17 reported deaths, almost doubling the death toll in the space of one day. 

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