Durban - The Presidency has confirmed that more than 100 South African citizens living in the Chinese city of Wuhan will be repatriated back to South Africa.
In the announcement, made on Thursday, the Presidency said the directive was issued by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
"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. It is estimated that there are 199 South Africans citizens in Wuhan as per the latest consolidated list from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. At this stage, 132 of them have expressed the desire to be repatriated. These compatriots are currently living under lockdown conditions following the outbreak of the corona virus," the Presidency said.
The statement noted that none of the affected individuals have been diagnosed with the virus nor have they exhibited any symptoms thereof.
Upon arrival in South Africa, they will be placed in quarantine for 21 days as an additional precautionary measure.
"Government has been in constant communication with the families of all affected individuals and relevant departments have made the necessary arrangements to receive them. The Departments of Health and Defence will deploy healthcare personnel and supporting staff to provide assistance during the repatriation and quarantine processes. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will deploy consular services personnel to provide consular assistance. Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will provide immigration services. Department of Social Development (DSD) will offer trauma counselling and support. Further details in this regard will be communicated by the relevant line function ministries," the Presidency said.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of the virus, which set in motion coordination efforts worldwide, as well as the implementation of strict surveillance measures, as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The COVID-19 virus (Corona Virus), was first reported in Wuhan, China in November 2019.
On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa has expressed solidarity with the people and government of China. The President has also expressed sincere gratitude to the Chinese Government and people for their assistance and support during this period and reiterated South Africa’s confidence in China’s ability to control the outbreak of the virus, as evidenced by amongst others, the commendable progress made to date.
So far, thousands of people have been killed by the virus, with hundreds of thousands more affected.
On Thursday, Northern Ireland confirmed its first case, taking the total number of cases in the United Kingdom to 16.