SA coronavirus case came via Dubai to Durban: Mkhize

© Rajesh Jantilal

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's first coronavirus case came from Italy via Dubai to the main airport in Durban, the Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said on Friday.

Mkhize was briefing the media in Hilton, the town where the man with the virus is admitted in hospital after testing positive the day before.

The minister was correcting earlier reports that the man had come through the main international airport in Johannesburg.

He added that there was currently no other South African coronavirus patient apart from the one reported already.

The patient was a 38-year-old male who travelled to Italy with his wife, part of a group of 10 people and returned on March 1.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday warned that the virus would hurt travel and tourism, and have a negative impact on South Africa's already struggling economy, but urged citizens not to panic.

Photos: Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

Since the coronavirus outbreak began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December, it has infected almost 100,000 people worldwide and killed more than 3,000, mostly in China.

It had largely spared sub-Saharan Africa, but since last month has been detected in Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and on Friday the first case was reported in Cameroon.

Last week, Ramaphosa ordered the repatriation of nearly 200 citizens from Wuhan.

Mkhize said none of those citizens, who are expected to return home in the next few days, had contracted the virus.

Also watch: Mkhize confirms SA's first coronavirus case [Newsflare]

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Follow the Health Department’s latest updates on the Coronavirus (Covid-19), including the NICD’s prevention methods. Travellers from Covid-19 affected areas are advised to stay at home for up to 14 days. If you develop any symptoms contact your doctor or clinic, they will advise your next steps. For more information visit the National Institute for Communicable Diseases website.