Atleast 9 suspected cases of coronavirus have been reported in Mpumalanga province.
This was confirmed by the Mpumalanga premier Refilwe Mtsweni Tsipane together with the health department, MEC Sasekane Manzini during a media briefing today.
Mtsweni-Tsipane says all suspected patients have previous records of traveling abroad.
During the briefing, the premier explained that out of the nine people, six tested negative, two awaiting results while one has been tested positive.
The health MEC, Sasekani Manzini also added that the patient arrived at OR Tambo on the 7th of March and reportedly went to visit her parents in Johannesburg before coming to the province. The MEC further explained that the patient was screened with her husband yesterday and has since been released from Rob Ferreira Hospital for self-quarantine today.
“The patient has been identified as a 27-year-old female, who residents in Marlot in the Nkomazi Municipality, she arrived in OR Tambo on the 7the, and came back in Mpumalanga and was admitted in Rob Ferriera Hospital yesterday”
According to the Chief of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed on Wednesday that the coronavirus outbreak can now be categorized as a pandemic.
It was also revealed that the virus has spread to over 100 countries around the world, recording over 124,000 cases and 4,500 deaths.
The South African government has issued a statement confirming that South Africa now has 17 cases of Covid-19.
The national Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said that the current, all patients are self-quarantining, and are exhibiting mild to moderate symptoms. They are receiving treatment.
“The department’s tracing teams are currently making a list and have started contacting people the patients may have come into contact with,”