OR Tambo on coronavirus alert

SPECIAL arrangements have been set up at OR Tambo International Airport for aircraft travelling from China, including questionnaires and on-site screening, following international fears that the coronavirus (Covid-19) may reach South African shores.

According to the Gauteng Health Department, Airports Company SA (Acsa) is working with the SA Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa) and Department of Health regarding the risks posed at the country’s airports.

“We are monitoring the situation and are on alert. We will keep passengers updated should screening of travellers and mitigation measures become necessary. In the interim, passengers are encouraged to keep in touch with their airlines regarding travel health and safety advice,” the department said.

It added that South Africa was working closely with Chinese officials through the World Health Organisation and that most of the testing of detected cases would be done in South Africa.

“We have accepted the role of helping the continent test samples. This will also ensure that if there are any confirmed cases on the continent, South Africa will have access to that information. Screening is conducted at ports of entry using non-invasive methods. If travellers are found to have elevated temperatures they will be assessed by a nurse, and if they exhibit suspicious symptoms they will be transported to health facilities for further management,” it said.

The spokesperson for the airport, Betty Maloka, said the implementing of health measures was a function of the department and the airport was working closely with it to monitor the situation. “Screening is being conducted when planes land and again when passengers are in the queues at immigration,” Maloka said.

In the latest statement by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), it tested 95 people for the virus, of which 53 were under investigation. By yesterday, all results had come back negative.

“The NICD confirms that there have not been any confirmed Covid19 cases in South Africa.

“South Africa remains on high alert for Covid-19, and as part of strengthening knowledge and outbreak preparedness for Covid19, the NICD with the National Department of Health continues to enhance surveillance activities for the virus by broadening testing,” said NICD spokesperson Sinenhlanhla Jimoh.